Differential expression of IL-17RC isoforms in androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancers

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Research
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The interleukin-17 receptor-like C (IL-17RC) gene encodes a transmembrane protein that inhibits apoptosis in prostate cancer cells.
• The IL-17RC gene produces numerous mRNA splice variants, but the existence and relevance of corresponding protein isoforms remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression patterns of different IL-17RC protein isoforms in prostate cancer.
• To determine if specific IL-17RC isoforms are associated with androgen-dependent or androgen-independent prostate cancer phenotypes.

Main Methods:

• Detection of IL-17RC protein isoforms using antibodies targeting intracellular (anti-ICD) and extracellular (anti-ECD) domains.
• Quantitative analysis of IL-17RC isoform expression in various androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines.
• Immunohistochemical staining of prostate tissue microarrays to assess IL-17RC expression in clinical samples.

Main Results:

• Distinct IL-17RC protein isoforms were detected, with anti-ICD antibodies showing higher expression in androgen-independent cell lines (PC3, DU145) compared to androgen-dependent ones.
• Conversely, anti-ECD antibodies detected isoforms expressed at significantly higher levels in androgen-dependent cell lines.
• Immunohistochemistry confirmed these differential expression patterns in prostate cancer tissues, with anti-ICD correlating with androgen-independent cancers and anti-ECD with androgen-dependent cancers.

Conclusions:

• IL-17RC protein isoforms exhibit differential expression in prostate cells and cancer tissues.
• These distinct isoforms may play opposing roles, potentially influencing both the initiation and progression of prostate cancer.