Role of A1 adenosine receptor in survival of human lung cancer

Abstract

Adenosine, as a purine nucleoside, has a crucial role in the tumorigenesis through interaction with adenosine receptors subtypes A1, A2a, A2b, and A3. The role of A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) in lung cancer has not yet been determined. Here we assessed the role of A1AR in lung cancer. Our results demonstrated a significant increase in A1AR in lung tumors tissue relative to adjacent tumor margins. Our data also indicated A1AR antagonist inhibited cell growth and induced cell apoptosis in A549 lung cancer cells. Treatment of lung cancer cells with A1AR antagonist also increased caspase 3 and 7 activity in these cells. In summary, this study showed that A1AR highly expressed in lung tumor relative to tumor margins, and A1AR has a crucial role in survival of lung cancer.