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Published on: September 3, 2013
Molecular characterization of prostate carcinoma tumor antigen-1, PCTA-1, a human galectin-8 related gene
R V Gopalkrishnan1, T Roberts, S Tuli
1Department of Urology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Abstract:
The galectin family of proteins has been associated with several diverse cellular processes. More than 30 years since the discovery of the first member, precise biological functions for the family as a whole, or for individual members has proven elusive. The isolation of Prostate Carcinoma Tumor Antigen-1 (PCTA-1), a cDNA closely related to rat and human Galectin-8, as a surface marker associated with prostate cancer was achieved using a previously described immunological subtraction approach, Surface Epitope Masking (SEM) approach, in combination with expression screening. It appears that PCTA-1 expression is almost ubiquitous in normal human tissues and could alter in specific contexts such as transformation or metastasis. Multiple expression isoforms of PCTA-1 at the mRNA level are observed. PCTA-1 maps to 1q42-43, a locus associated with predisposition to prostate cancer. We have determined the genomic structure of PCTA-1 to account for the several observed isoforms, performed expression analysis to determine distribution in normal and transformed contexts at the RNA and protein level and conducted over-expression studies to determine effects on cellular phenotype.
Insights
Prostate Carcinoma Tumor Antigen-1 (PCTA-1), a galectin-8 relative, was identified as a prostate cancer marker. Its expression in normal tissues and altered patterns in cancer warrant further investigation into its function.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genetics
Background:
- The galectin protein family plays diverse cellular roles, but specific functions remain unclear.
- Prostate Carcinoma Tumor Antigen-1 (PCTA-1), a Galectin-8 relative, was identified as a potential prostate cancer marker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize Prostate Carcinoma Tumor Antigen-1 (PCTA-1), a novel prostate cancer-associated marker.
- To investigate PCTA-1 expression patterns in normal and cancerous tissues at RNA and protein levels.
- To determine the genomic structure and functional impact of PCTA-1 isoforms.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of PCTA-1 using Surface Epitope Masking (SEM) and expression screening.
- Genomic structure determination of PCTA-1.
- Expression analysis (RNA and protein) in normal and transformed cells.
- Over-expression studies to assess cellular phenotype changes.
Main Results:
- PCTA-1 expression is widespread in normal human tissues but may change during transformation or metastasis.
- Multiple PCTA-1 mRNA isoforms were identified.
- PCTA-1 is located at chromosome locus 1q42-43, linked to prostate cancer predisposition.
Conclusions:
- PCTA-1 is a novel marker associated with prostate cancer, with a complex expression profile.
- Understanding PCTA-1's genomic structure and isoforms is crucial for elucidating its function.
- Further studies are needed to explore PCTA-1's role in prostate cancer development and progression.
