# BOMBESIN-LIKE PEPTIDES IN OAT CELL CARCINOMA

> **NIH NIH R01** · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 1988 · $130,792

## Abstract

Oat cell carcinoma, or small cell lung cancer (SCLC), is a tumor enriched
in its neuroendocrine properties.  High levels of enzymes, such as neuron
specific enolase and dopamine decarboxylase, and polypeptide hormones are
associated with SCLC.  In particular, high levels of bombesin(BN)-like
peptides are found in SCLC cells, tumors and xenographs in nude mice.
BN-like peptides are secreted from SCLC cells when the cells are
depolarized and SCLC cells have receptors for BN-like peptides.  BN
stimulates the growth of SCLC cells.  Thus BN-like peptides may function as
important growth factors in oat cell carcinoma.

The underlying hypothesis of this study is the BN-like peptides function as
autocrine growth factors in SCLS.  The long term objective is to define the
role of BN-like peptides in oat cell carcinoma.  The specific aims are:  1)
To determine what factors regulate the secretion of BN-like peptides.  2)
To isolate and characterize the cellular receptors for BN-like peptides.
3) To determine the mechanism of action of BN-like peptides in SCLC cells.
4) To determine if antibodies, other factors or BN receptor antagonists can
act as inhibitors of the growth of oat cells.

A variety of biochemical, pharmacological and immunological techniques will
be employed.  The levels of BN-like peptides will be determined by
radioimmunoassay.  Specifically, factors which inhibit the secretion of
BN-like peptides will be defined.  Receptors for BN-like peptides will be
solubilized and purified.  Anti-receptor antibodies will be generated and
tested for their ability to inhibit SCLC growth.  Biochemical techniques
will be used to investigate the ability of BN-like peptides to alter
Ca++-flux, cGMP production and phosphatidyl inositol turnover with the goal
of defining BN-receptor antagonists.  The results of these studies will
provide a more comprehensive understanding of the properties of SCLC cells
and may yield new therapeutic approaches in the form of agents which
inhibit the growth of oat cell carcinoma.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3171564
- **Project number:** 5R01CA033767-06
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** ECR5E2LU5BL6
- **Principal Investigator:** TERRY W MOODY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $130,792
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-01-01 → 1988-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3171564

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3171564, BOMBESIN-LIKE PEPTIDES IN OAT CELL CARCINOMA (5R01CA033767-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3171564. Licensed CC0.

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