M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors regulate epithelial–mesenchymal transition, perineural invasion, and migration/metastasis in cholangiocarcinoma through the AKT pathway

Background Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor type that is not sensitive to radiotherapy or chemotherapy due to aggressive perineural invasion and metastasis. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying these processes and the signaling factors involved are largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the role of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (M3-mAChR) in cell migration, perineural invasion, and metastasis during cholangiocarcinoma.