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Alpha(2) macroglobulin, a PSA binding protein, is expressed in human prostate stroma
Victor K Lin1, Shih-Ya Wang, Nicholas C Boetticher
1Department of Urology, The University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. victor.lin@utsouthwestern.edu
The Prostate
|December 22, 2004
Summary
Alpha-2 macroglobulin (α(2)-M) is increased in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue. This protein is mainly expressed in prostate stromal cells and may influence prostate growth.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a stromal process where smooth muscle phenotype may change.
- Alpha-2 macroglobulin (α(2)-M), a proteinase binding protein, was identified as a differentially expressed transcript in BPH.
- α(2)-M plays roles in molecular trapping and targeting, interacting with proteins like PSA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize α(2)-M expression in the human prostate.
- To investigate the association between α(2)-M expression and BPH.
Main Methods:
- Differential display to identify differentially expressed transcripts.
- RT-PCR, Western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry to characterize α(2)-M expression.
- Analysis of α(2)-M expression in cultured prostate stromal and epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- α(2)-M mRNA expression was 3.2-fold higher in BPH compared to normal prostate tissue.
- Protein levels of α(2)-M showed a 1.9-fold increase in BPH.
- α(2)-M expression was localized to the stromal compartment, with higher levels in stromal cells than epithelial cells. Cultured stromal cells produced and secreted α(2)-M.
Conclusions:
- α(2)-M is expressed in the human prostate, with increased expression associated with BPH.
- Prostate-expressed α(2)-M may regulate benign and malignant prostate growth due to its protein binding and targeting properties.