Expression of TRPC6 in benign and malignant human prostate tissues

We investigated the expression of transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) protein in benign and malignant human prostate tissues and in prostate cancer cell lines and the association with the stage, grade and androgen responsiveness of the tumors. Immunohistochemical techniques, Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to investigate TRPC6 expression. TRPC6 protein was detected in 9 of 20 (45.0%) of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) cases, and there was a significant difference compared with prostate cancer (129 of 149 [86.6%])(P < 0.01). TRPC6 expression was associated with the histological grade and extraprostatic extension (P < 0.01). Tumors of higher stage tended to have a higher frequency of TRPC6 protein staining, but the difference was not significant among T2, T3 and T4. TRPC6 expression difference between androgen-independent (AI) tumors and androgen-dependent (AD) tumors was not statistically significant. TRPC6 was also observed in prostate cancer cell lines. In summary, TRPC6 is detected in benign and malignant human prostate tissues and prostate cancer cell lines and is associated with the histological grade, Gleason score and extraprostatic extension of prostate cancer.