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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Molecular therapy intervention prospects in prostate cancer
Yashraj D Rege1, Vivek M Rangnekar
1Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Combs Research Building, Rm. 303, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. vmrang01@pop.uky.edu
Abstract:
Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed disease in American men today and the second leading cause of death among them. Transformation and progression towards malignancy in prostate cancer is dependant on the inability of the prostatic epithelial cells to undergo apoptosis rather than on the regulation of proliferation. Molecular targeting of inadequacies in this process of suppression of apoptosis could prove to be of great therapeutic importance for prostate cancer patients. Existence of tissue specific promoters to aid in the delivery of genes with therapeutic potential makes molecular therapy an attractive option. This review discusses salient features of molecules such as, Bcl-2, Bcl-(XL), NF-kappaB, Akt, PTEN and Par-4 that play a significant role in the regulation of prostate cancer and focuses on the prospects of effectively utilizing their potential for the therapy of hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
Insights
Prostate cancer therapy can be improved by targeting apoptosis suppression. This review explores key molecules like Bcl-2 and NF-kappaB for treating both hormone-sensitive and resistant prostate cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men, characterized by suppressed apoptosis rather than uncontrolled proliferation.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis regulation is crucial for developing effective prostate cancer treatments.
- Molecularly targeting the suppression of apoptosis presents a promising therapeutic avenue for prostate cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key molecules involved in prostate cancer apoptosis regulation, including Bcl-2, Bcl-(XL), NF-kappaB, Akt, PTEN, and Par-4.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting these molecules for both hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
- To highlight the prospects of molecular therapy using tissue-specific promoters for targeted gene delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles focusing on prostate cancer, apoptosis, and molecular targets.
- Analysis of the roles of specific molecules (Bcl-2, Bcl-(XL), NF-kappaB, Akt, PTEN, Par-4) in prostate cancer progression.
- Evaluation of current and potential molecular therapeutic strategies for prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- Several key molecules (Bcl-2, Bcl-(XL), NF-kappaB, Akt, PTEN, Par-4) significantly influence prostate cancer cell apoptosis.
- Targeting these molecules offers potential for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer.
- Molecular therapy, aided by tissue-specific promoters, shows promise for targeted gene delivery.
Conclusions:
- The suppression of apoptosis is a critical factor in prostate cancer progression.
- Targeting specific molecular pathways involved in apoptosis offers a viable strategy for prostate cancer treatment.
- Molecular therapy holds significant therapeutic potential for both hormone-sensitive and hormone-resistant prostate cancer.
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