Related Experiment Videos
STEAP: a prostate-specific cell-surface antigen highly expressed in human prostate tumors
R S Hubert1, I Vivanco, E Chen
1UroGenesys Inc., 1701 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
Summary
Researchers identified a novel gene, STEAP (six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate), highly expressed in advanced prostate cancer. This cell-surface protein shows potential as a therapeutic and diagnostic target for prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Metastatic prostate cancer research seeks novel molecular targets.
- Identifying genes specifically overexpressed in advanced prostate cancer is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel genes expressed in metastatic prostate cancer.
- To evaluate the potential of a newly identified gene as a therapeutic and diagnostic target.
Main Methods:
- Differential gene expression analysis using cDNA subtraction between benign and cancerous prostate tissue xenografts.
- Gene cloning, protein structure prediction, and expression analysis (immunohistochemistry, cell surface protein localization).
Main Results:
- A novel gene, STEAP (six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate), was identified and highly expressed in advanced prostate cancer.
- STEAP encodes a transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in prostate tissue and up-regulated in various cancer cell lines.
- STEAP is localized to the cell surface and cell-cell junctions, particularly in prostate and prostate cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- STEAP is a promising cell-surface tumor antigen for prostate cancer.
- STEAP represents a potential target for novel prostate cancer therapies and diagnostic imaging strategies.