Therapeutic applications of guanylate cyclase-C receptor agonists.
Uroguanylin, guanylin, lymphoguanylin and bacterial enterotoxin ST are structurally related peptides that activate common guanylate cyclase signaling molecules and, via cyclic GMP (cGMP), regulate water and ion homeostasis in a variety of tissues and organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, kidneys, lung, prostate, etc. Any disruptions in water and ionic homeostasis due to reduced production of one or more of the guanylin family of peptides can potentially lead to carcinogenic and inflammatory stimuli. Recent findings that expression of uroguanylin and guanylin is dramatically reduced in polyps and colon carcinoma tissues further support the notion that these peptide hormones are important modulators or mediators of signaling pathways leading to the processes involved in carcinogenesis and inflammatory disorders. This review briefly discusses recent research findings suggesting the novel therapeutic applications of agonist peptides of guanylate cyclase-C receptor.
Shailubhai
Kunwar
K
Synergy Pharmaceuticals Inc, 705 General Washington Avenue, Suite 500 A, Norristown, PA 19403, USA. shailu@royal.net
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006162:Guanylate Cyclase