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Changes in cortical cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix gene expression in prostate cancer are related to oncogenic

Wolfgang A Schulz1, Marc Ingenwerth, Carolle E Djuidje

  • 1Department of Urology, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. wolfgang.schulz@uni-duesseldorf.de

BMC Cancer
|September 24, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Specific cortical cytoskeleton gene changes, including EPB41L1 and EPB41L4B, are linked to prostate cancer progression and recurrence. These alterations correlate with ERG overexpression and extracellular matrix changes, potentially increasing cancer invasivity.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The cortical cytoskeleton network is crucial for cell functions like adhesion and migration.
  • Prostate cancer studies suggest alterations in specific cortical cytoskeleton components, particularly 4.1 proteins (EPB41 genes).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of cortical cytoskeleton genes in prostate adenocarcinoma.
  • To correlate these gene expression changes with clinicopathological features and ERG status.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure gene expression in prostate cancer and benign tissues.
  • Methylation-specific PCR assessed hypermethylation of EPB41L3 and GSTP1.
  • Immunohistochemistry evaluated protein 4.1B expression.

Main Results:

  • EPB41L1 and EPB41L3 were downregulated, while EPB41L4B was upregulated in cancer tissues.
  • Low EPB41L1 or high EPB41L4B expression correlated with earlier biochemical recurrence.
  • Downregulation of EPB41L3 was linked to promoter hypermethylation and ERG overexpression.

Conclusions:

  • Prostate cancer progression involves specific cortical cytoskeleton alterations.
  • These changes parallel extracellular matrix modifications and are associated with ERG overexpression.
  • The observed alterations may enhance prostate cancer cell invasivity due to ERG deregulation.

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