Blockade of CHRNB2 signaling with a therapeutic monoclonal antibody attenuates the aggressiveness of gastric cancer cells

Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of antibodies (Abs) targeting cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 2 subunit (CHRNB2) in gastric cancer. To investigate the effects of these Abs on malignant phenotypes in vitro and in mouse xenograft models, we generated gene knockouts through genome editing, performed RNA interference-mediated knockdown of gene expression, and ectopically expressed CHRNB2 in gastric cancer cells. The effects of anti-CHRNB2 Abs on the proliferation of cancer cells were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. We determined the effects of Chrnb2 deficiency on mice and the clinical significance of CHRNB2 expression in gastric cancer clinical specimens. Knockdown of CHRNB2 attenuated gastric cancer cell proliferation, whereas forced overexpression of CHRNB2 increased cell proliferation. Knockout of CHRNB2 significantly influenced cell survival and functions associated with metastasis. The effects of polyclonal Abs targeting the C- and N-termini of CHRNB2 guided the development of anti-CHRNB2 monoclonal Abs that inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Pathway analysis revealed that CHRNB2 interfered with signaling through the PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT pathways. Chrnb2-deficient mice exhibited normal reproduction, organ functions, and motor functions. CHRNB2 regulates multiple oncological phenotypes associated with metastasis, and blockade of CHRNB2 expression using specific Abs shows promise for controlling metastasis in gastric cancer.