Figure 9.

The role of AChE in tumorigenicity. AChE is an essential protein in regulating the ACh levels in non-cholinergic organs, since this neurotransmitter promotes cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, migration, and invasion through acetylcholine receptors (AChRs). (A) In normal conditions, AChE controls ACh levels by hydrolyzing this neurotransmitter, preventing the ACh from reaching AChRs; therefore, the tumor growth is controlled, decreasing tumorigenicity and proliferation. (B) When AChE is chemically inhibited (the BW248c51 inhibitor is impermeable to the cell membrane) or the AChE activity decreases for another cause, the ACh levels are not modified; therefore, this neurotransmitter reaches AChRs, promoting cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis, and increasing migration and invasion. This is reflected in tumor growth, increasing tumorigenicity, proliferation, and metastasis. Created with Biorender.com (accessed on 12 June 2023).