Mu-opioid receptor activation promotes in vitro and in vivo tumor growth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Aims: In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) is involved in tumorigenesis, and metastasis in cancer. In humans, the use of MOR agonists (opioids) is associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) progression. In the present study, we aimed to examine the role of MOR activation in MOR (+) HNSCC. Main methods: FaDu, MDA686Tu and UMSCC47 cell lines were used in in vitro and in vivo experiments. Cells and animals were treated with a highly selective MOR agonist DAMGO, [D-Ala (2), Me Phe (4), Glycol (5)]-enkephalin] or saline 0.9%. Key findings: MOR activation significantly increased the proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration of FaDu and MDA6868Tu cells and promoted tumor growth in vivo. Significance: These findings suggest that MOR is implicated in tumorigenesis of HNSCC. Overall, our findings identify that MOR could be used as a potential therapeutic target in patients with MOR (+) HNSCC.