alpha 9-containing nicotinic receptors in cancer

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the alpha 9 or the alpha 9 and alpha 10 subunits are expressed in various extra-neuronal tissues. Moreover, most cancer cells and tissues highly express alpha 9-containing receptors, and a number of studies have shown that they are powerful regulators of responses that stimulate cancer processes such as proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and metastasis. It has also emerged that their modulation is a promising target for drug development. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data showing the involvement of these receptors in controlling the downstream signaling cascades involved in the promotion of cancer.