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Differential expression of adenosine A1 receptors in colorectal cancer and related mucosa
H E Khoo1, C L Ho, V J Chhatwal
1Department of Biochemistry and Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore. bchkhe@nus.sg
Abstract:
Adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) are known to inhibit while the A2 receptors (A2R) stimulate the G-protein cAMP second messenger system and may play a role in cell growth and carcinogenesis. Using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, mRNA for A1R and A2R was measured in human colorectal adenocarcinomas and individual peritumoural colon tissues. There was differential expression of the mRNA for A1R with tumour tissues having significantly higher amounts compared to peritumoural normal tissues. The mRNA for A2R was not found to be differentially expressed. The increase in the inhibitory A1 receptor in tumour tissues may be in response to increased adenosine release from the hypoxic cells found in malignant tumour tissues, thus indicating a possible role for the adenosine A1 receptor in carcinogenesis.
Insights
Adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) show increased expression in colorectal tumors, potentially responding to hypoxia. This suggests a role for A1R in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Adenosine receptors modulate the cAMP system, influencing cell growth and cancer.
- Adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) inhibit, while A2 receptors (A2R) stimulate, cellular activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of A1R and A2R mRNA in human colorectal cancer.
- To determine if A1R or A2R expression differs between tumor and normal colon tissues.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed.
- mRNA levels for A1R and A2R were measured in colorectal adenocarcinomas and adjacent peritumoural tissues.
Main Results:
- Tumor tissues exhibited significantly higher A1R mRNA levels compared to peritumoural tissues.
- Differential expression of A2R mRNA was not observed between tumor and normal tissues.
Conclusions:
- Increased A1R expression in tumors may be a response to hypoxia-induced adenosine release.
- Adenosine A1 receptors might play a role in the process of carcinogenesis.