Diversified β-2-adrenergic Receptor Expression and Action in Melanoma Cells

Abstract

Background/aim: Growing evidence links stress hormones with development and progression of various cancer types. The aim of this study was to assess susceptibility of cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells to adrenaline (AD).

Materials and methods: The expression of β-2-adrenergic receptor in primary cutaneous (FM-55-P), primary uveal (92-1, Mel202) and metastatic cutaneous (A375) melanoma cells was estimated at mRNA, protein and cell surface levels. The impact of AD on cell proliferation and migration was also studied.

Results: The expression of β-2-adrenergic receptor was cell line-dependent. Adrenaline treatment caused a slight stimulation of melanoma cell proliferation and activation of matrix metalloproteinases. Adrenaline-treated uveal melanoma cells showed an increased migration rate, whereas, in cutaneous melanoma cells, no changes or even lower migration speed were observed.

Conclusion: Melanoma cell susceptibility to AD varies depending on origin and progression stage. Metastatic cutaneous melanoma cells were found to be less responsive to AD than primary cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells.

Keywords: Beta-2-adrenergic receptor; adrenaline; cutaneous melanoma; matrix metalloproteinases; uveal melanoma.