Nicotine, a key component of tobacco, can promote tumor growth and resistance to chemotherapy by activating specific receptors called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). This article discusses how variations in a particular subunit of these receptors, known as ?5, and genetic differences called SNPs, may influence these effects.
Understanding these mechanisms can help in developing targeted therapies and inform public health strategies to combat tobacco-related cancers.