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Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Gene expression profiling of the human prostate zones
Leonie van der Heul-Nieuwenhuijsen1, Peter J M Hendriksen, Theo H van der Kwast
1Department of Urology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
BJU International
|September 19, 2006
Summary
Gene expression varies between prostate zones, explaining why aggressive tumors favor the peripheral zone (PZ) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) the transition zone (TZ). Stromal-epithelial interactions may drive these disease localizations.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) exhibit distinct zonal distributions within the prostate.
- Aggressive tumors predominantly arise in the peripheral zone (PZ), while BPH is mainly found in the transition zone (TZ).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differential gene expression between the prostate's peripheral zone (PZ) and transition zone (TZ) using microarray analysis.
- To elucidate the molecular basis for the distinct localization of prostate diseases like cancer and BPH.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis was employed for expression profiling of PZ and TZ tissues.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) validated top differentially expressed genes and assessed cell-type specificity.
- Primary prostate stromal and epithelial cells were analyzed for zonal-specific gene expression.
Main Results:
- 346 genes showed preferential expression in either the TZ or PZ.
- Specific TZ genes (ASPA, FLJ10970, COCH) were also identified as stroma-specific.
- Gene expression profiles of prostate cancer and BPH correlated with PZ and TZ profiles, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences in gene expression exist between the prostate's PZ and TZ.
- Stromal-epithelial interactions are implicated as a potential mechanism for the zonal localization of prostate diseases.
