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Isolation of Cancer Stem Cells From Human Prostate Cancer Samples
Published on: March 14, 2014
Expression analysis of putative stem cell markers in human benign and malignant prostate
Andrey V Ugolkov1, Laurie J Eisengart, Chunyan Luan
1Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA.
The Prostate
|June 29, 2010
Summary
Researchers investigated stem cell markers in prostate cancer. Combined expression of EZH2 and SOX2 may identify cancer stem cells in CD44+ prostate adenocarcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Prostate Cancer Research
Background:
- Prostate cancer may involve a small population of stem cells contributing to tumor development and resistance.
- Identifying these prostatic stem cells is crucial for understanding cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expression of potential stem cell markers in benign and malignant prostate tissues.
- To identify markers that can distinguish cancer stem cells within prostate adenocarcinoma.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for CD44, CD133, Oct4, SOX2, and EZH2 was performed on tissue microarrays.
- Tissues included benign prostate, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and prostate adenocarcinoma.
- Staining intensity was categorized as 1+ (<10%), 2+ (10-50%), or 3+ (>50%).
Main Results:
- CD44 was highly expressed in benign and malignant tissues (97% and 72%).
- Oct4 expression was associated with benign/HGPIN but not cancer.
- Combined EZH2 and SOX2 expression (less than 10%) was observed in a subset of CD44+ prostate cancers.
Conclusions:
- CD44 and Oct4 expression identified large cell populations, not fitting the stem cell definition.
- Combined EZH2 and SOX2 expression may identify a minor subpopulation of cancer stem cells in prostate adenocarcinoma.
- These findings suggest EZH2 and SOX2 as potential markers for prostate cancer stem cells.
