Overview
- ONJCRI and La Trobe scientists report in BMJ Oncology that CGRP and its receptor component RAMP1 drive growth programs in colorectal and gastric tumors.
- Analysis of 180 patient samples found RAMP1 widely expressed, including in colorectal liver metastases, with higher levels linked to poorer survival.
- In cell lines and patient-derived organoids, CGRP stimulation increased proliferation and upregulated genes tied to metabolism and migration.
- CRISPR-Cas9 deletion of RAMP1 in tumor cells significantly reduced growth, indicating a functional dependency on this signaling axis.
- With several anti-CGRP/RAMP1 drugs already approved for migraine, the team plans preclinical testing and aims to progress to clinical trials alongside standard therapies.