The serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) is present in B-cell clones of diverse malignant origin: probing a potential antitumor target for psychotropics

Elizabeth J. Meredith, Michelle J. Holder, Anita Chamba, Anita Challa, Adrian Drake-Lee, Christopher M. Bunce, Mark T. Drayson, Geoff Pilkington, Randy D. Blakely, Martin J. S. Dyer, Nicholas M. Barnes, John Gordon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Following our previous description of the serotonin transporter (SERT) acting as a conduit to 5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-mediated apoptosis, specifically in Burkitt’s lymphoma, we now detail its expression among a broad spectrum of B cell malignancy, while exploring additional SERT substrates for potential therapeutic activity. SERT was readily detected in derived B cell lines with origins as diverse as B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Concentration and timecourse kinetics for the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of the amphetamine derivatives fenfluramine (an appetite suppressant) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; “Ecstasy”) revealed them as being similar to the endogenous indoleamine. A tricyclic antidepressant, clomipramine, instead mirrored the behavior of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine, both being effective in the low micromolar range. A majority of neoplastic clones were sensitive to one or more of the serotonergic compounds. Dysregulated bcl-2 expression, either by t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation or its introduction as a constitutively active transgene, provided protection from proapoptotic but not antiproliferative outcomes. These data indicate a potential for SERT as a novel anti-tumor target for amphetamine analogs, while evidence is presented that the seemingly more promising antidepressants are likely impacting malignant B cells independently of the transporter itself.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1187-
JournalFASEB Journal
Volume19
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2005

Keywords

  • 5-hydroxytryptamine
  • Burkitt's lymphoma
  • B cell lymphoma

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