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Small G-protein RhoE is underexpressed in prostate cancer and induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Jasmin Bektic1, Karina Pfeil, Andreas Paul Berger

  • 1Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. jasmin.bektic@uibk.ac.at

The Prostate
|March 9, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

RhoE is downregulated in prostate cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor. Overexpressing RhoE inhibits cancer cell growth and promotes apoptosis, suggesting its early role in prostate cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • RhoE/Rnd3, a Rho GTPase, may antagonize RhoA, which promotes cell cycle progression and is implicated in prostate cancer.
  • Investigated RhoE expression and function in prostate cancer cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate RhoE expression in prostate cancer.
  • To determine the role of RhoE in prostate cancer cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed RhoE expression using immunoblot, RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry in prostate cell lines and tissues.
  • Overexpressed RhoE in DU-145 prostate cancer cells.
  • Analyzed cell cycle and apoptosis via immunoblot and FACS analysis.

Main Results:

  • RhoE protein and mRNA expression were significantly reduced in prostate cancer tissues compared to benign tissues.
  • Forced RhoE overexpression in cancer cells inhibited CDC2 and cyclin B1, induced G2/M arrest, and increased apoptosis.
  • RhoE was strongly expressed in benign prostate epithelial cells but minimally or absent in malignant cells.

Conclusions:

  • RhoE functions as a tumor suppressor gene in the prostate.
  • RhoE downregulation occurs early in prostate cancer development.

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