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Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) in the human prostate and prostate cancer cells: expression,

Felice Arcuri1, Stefania Papa, Antonietta Carducci

  • 1Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. arcuri@unisi.it

The Prostate
|May 27, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is expressed in the human prostate, including cancer cells. This calcium-binding protein is involved in apoptosis, differentiation, and sperm function regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is widely expressed and implicated in growth, apoptosis, and microtubule stabilization.
  • TCTP's role in human prostate tissue and cell lines was previously uncharacterized.
  • This study investigates TCTP expression, distribution, and function in the human prostate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the expression and distribution of TCTP in human prostatic tissues and cell lines.
  • To evaluate the calcium-binding activity of human prostatic TCTP.
  • To assess TCTP expression levels in normal versus cancerous prostate tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Western blot, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy were used for TCTP detection and localization.
  • Recombinant human prostatic TCTP's calcium-binding activity was assessed via calcium overlay assay.
  • Public SAGE database analysis quantified TCTP expression in normal and cancerous prostate tissues.

Main Results:

  • TCTP protein and mRNA were detected in all analyzed human prostate specimens and cell lines.
  • TCTP was primarily localized to secretory luminal epithelial and basal layer cells, and found in prostatic fluids.
  • In vitro assays confirmed TCTP's calcium-binding capacity, with SAGE data showing it as the most highly expressed calcium-binding protein among those studied.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence of TCTP expression in the human prostate and prostate cancer cells.
  • TCTP's presence suggests its involvement in crucial prostate processes, including apoptosis and cellular differentiation.
  • TCTP may play a role in regulating sperm functions within the prostate.

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