CHRNB2, encoding the β2 subunit of the α4β2 nicotine acetylcholine receptor, is involved in regulating neurotransmitter release, thus playing a crucial role in various physiological and pathologic processes. It is associated with pathways such as the β-catenin, PI3K-AKT, and JAK-STAT pathways [1,2]. Genetic models, like gene knockout mouse models, can be used to study its functions.

In pancreatic cancer, CHRNB2 negatively relates to lymph node metastasis. Knockdown of CHRNB2 increases the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, while overexpression decreases these abilities, likely via inhibiting the β-catenin pathway [1]. In gastric cancer, knockdown of CHRNB2 attenuates cell proliferation, and knockout influences cell survival and metastasis-related functions. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting CHRNB2 can inhibit gastric cancer cell growth [2]. In adult male rats, nicotine vapor exposure reduces CHRNB2 expression, leading to increased risky choice [3].

In conclusion, CHRNB2 plays a significant role in regulating cell migration, invasion, and proliferation in cancer, as well as in behaviors related to nicotine exposure. Gene knockout-based research on CHRNB2 has provided insights into its functions in pancreatic and gastric cancers, and its association with nicotine-related behaviors, which could potentially contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies for these diseases and nicotine-related disorders.

References:

1. Qin, Cheng, Li, Tianhao, Wang, Yuanyang, Zhao, Yutong, Wang, Weibin. 2022. CHRNB2 represses pancreatic cancer migration and invasion via inhibiting β-catenin pathway. In Cancer cell international, 22, 340. doi:10.1186/s12935-022-02768-8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36344976/

2. Kanda, Mitsuro, Shimizu, Dai, Nakamura, Shunsuke, Katsuno, Masahisa, Kodera, Yasuhiro. 2021. Blockade of CHRNB2 signaling with a therapeutic monoclonal antibody attenuates the aggressiveness of gastric cancer cells. In Oncogene, 40, 5495-5504. doi:10.1038/s41388-021-01945-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34331011/

3. Giner, Priscilla, Maynez-Anchondo, Liliana, Liley, Anna E, Simon, Nicholas W, Mendez, Ian A. 2022. Increased Risky Choice and Reduced CHRNB2 Expression in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Nicotine Vapor. In International journal of molecular sciences, 23, . doi:10.3390/ijms23031231. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35163155/