AGTR1 Is Overexpressed in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms Regulates Secretion and May Potentially Serve as a Target for Molecular Imaging and Therapy

摘要

Clinical management of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN), especially of those low in target molecules such as somatostatin receptors, may benefit from the discovery of novel targets. This study identified and confirmed angiotensin II (ATII) as a strong activator of signaling in NEN cells and its cognate receptor AGTR1 as overexpressed in human small intestinal NEN. NEN cells with high AGTR1 expression exhibited cellular activation and secretion upon stimulation with ATII. AGTR1 ligand saralasin coupled to a fluorescent dye demonstrated tumor accumulation in an animal model of NEN. This proof of concept establishes AGTR1 as a novel target in NEN, paving the way for its potential use in diagnostic PET imaging and radioligand therapy.