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Concomitant down-regulation of SPRY1 and SPRY2 in prostate carcinoma

S Fritzsche1, M Kenzelmann, M J Hoffmann

  • 1Department of Urology, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.

Endocrine-Related Cancer
|September 7, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Down-regulation of SPRY genes, which normally inhibit growth factor signaling, is common in prostate cancer. Lower SPRY gene expression correlates with increased cancer recurrence, suggesting a role in disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Sprouty proteins (SPRY genes) inhibit signaling pathways like epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF).
  • Overactive EGF/FGF signaling is prevalent in prostate cancer.
  • Previous studies reported down-regulation of SPRY1 and SPRY2 in prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of SPRY1 and SPRY2 in prostate cancer tissues.
  • To determine if SPRY gene down-regulation correlates with prostate cancer recurrence.
  • To examine the methylation status of SPRY2 in cancer tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Microarray expression analysis of microdissected prostate cancers.
  • Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) on macrodissected specimens.
  • Analysis of SPRY1 alternative transcript expression.

Main Results:

  • Both SPRY1 and SPRY2 genes were found to be modestly down-regulated in prostate cancers compared to benign tissues.
  • Decreased expression levels of SPRY1 and SPRY2 paralleled each other.
  • Significantly lower expression of both SPRY genes was observed in recurrent cancers.
  • No hypermethylation was found to be associated with SPRY2 down-regulation.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms and extends previous findings on SPRY gene down-regulation in prostate cancer.
  • Concomitant down-regulation of SPRY1 and SPRY2 is associated with prostate cancer recurrence.
  • The findings suggest SPRY genes play a role in prostate cancer progression.

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