The opioid growth factor (met-enkephalin/OGF) promoted differentiation of human cancer cells, pushing them from immature proliferative states toward mature, less aggressive phenotypes through the OGFr pathway.
Key findingMet-enkephalin (OGF) through the OGFr receptor promoted differentiation of human cancer cells toward more mature phenotypes, reducing proliferative ca
What the researchers found
Met-enkephalin (OGF) through the OGFr receptor promoted differentiation of human cancer cells toward more mature phenotypes, reducing proliferative capacity — adding differentiation induction to its known growth-inhibitory anti-cancer mechanism.
Why it matters
Relevant for opioid-peptides, cancer.
How the study worked
in-vitro study on opioid-peptides, cancer.
What this study cannot tell us
See abstract.
How to read the evidence
preliminary evidence.
When this study was published
Published in 2005.
The bigger picture
Advances peptide research.
Questions still open
- Further research needed.
- Clinical translation to evaluate.
Common questions
What was studied?
What was found?
Read the original research
Opioids and differentiation in human cancer cells.
Neuropeptides, 39(5), 495-505
Citation
Zagon, Ian S; McLaughlin, Patricia J. (2005). Opioids and differentiation in human cancer cells.. Neuropeptides, 39(5), 495-505.