Cancer biology and molecular genetics of A3 adenosine receptor

Chiara Mazziotta; John Charles Rotondo; Carmen Lanzillotti; Giulia Campione; Fernanda Martini; Mauro Tognon

doi:10.1038/s41388-021-02090-z

Cancer biology and molecular genetics of A₃ adenosine receptor

Oncogene. 2022 Jan;41(3):301-308. doi: 10.1038/s41388-021-02090-z. Epub 2021 Nov 8.

Authors

Chiara Mazziotta^#^{1

2}, John Charles Rotondo^#^{1

2}, Carmen Lanzillotti^{1

2}, Giulia Campione¹, Fernanda Martini^{3

4}, Mauro Tognon⁵

Affiliations

¹ Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
² Center for Studies on Gender Medicine-Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
³ Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. mrf@unife.it.
⁴ Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. mrf@unife.it.
⁵ Laboratories of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, Section of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, 64/b, Fossato di Mortara Street, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. tgm@unife.it.

^# Contributed equally.

Abstract

A₃ adenosine receptor (A₃AR) is a cell membrane protein, which has been found to be overexpressed in a large number of cancer types. This receptor plays an important role in cancer by interacting with adenosine. Specifically, A₃AR has a dual nature in different pathophysiological conditions, as it is expressed according to tissue type and stimulated by an adenosine dose-dependent manner. A₃AR activation leads to tumor growth, cell proliferation and survival in some cases, while triggering cytostatic and apoptotic pathways in others. This review aims to describe the most relevant aspects of A₃AR activation and its ligands whereas it summarizes A₃AR activities in cancer. Progress in the field of A₃AR modulators, with a potential therapeutic role in cancer treatment are reported, as well.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Disease Models, Animal
Humans
Mice
Molecular Biology / methods*
Neoplasms / genetics*
Receptor, Adenosine A3 / metabolism*
Signal Transduction

Substances

Receptor, Adenosine A3