Sigma-2 receptors as a biomarker of proliferation in solid tumours
2000
Sigma-2 Receptors as a Biomarker of Tumour Proliferation
Sample size: 2
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Wheeler K T, Wang L-M, Wallen C A, Childers S R, Cline J M, Keng P C, Mach R H
Primary Institution: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The expression of sigma-2 receptors may serve as a biomarker of tumour cell proliferation.
Conclusion
The expression of sigma-2 receptors may reliably indicate the proliferative status of solid tumours.
Supporting Evidence
- The expression of σ2 receptors was found to be 8–10 times higher in proliferative tumour cells than in quiescent cells.
- The σ2 receptor P:Q ratio for the 66 tumours was 10.6, indicating a strong correlation with tissue culture models.
- The study suggests that radioligands targeting σ2 receptors could be used for non-invasive imaging of tumour proliferation.
Takeaway
This study found that certain receptors in tumour cells can help doctors understand how fast the cancer is growing.
Methodology
The σ2 receptor P:Q ratio was determined for cells from subcutaneous tumours grown in female nude mice.
Limitations
The in vitro studies may not fully represent what occurs in solid tumours.
Participant Demographics
Female nude mice were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website