Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
The Soft Agar Colony Formation Assay
Published on: October 27, 2014
XAF1 expression and regulatory effects of somatostatin on XAF1 in prostate cancer cells
Zhaoquan Xing1, Zunlin Zhou, Rong Yu
1Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012 P.R. China.
Background:
Somatostatin prevents cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. Downregulation of the XAF1 transcript may occur during the development of prostate cancer. It is interesting to evaluate the potential regulatory effects of somatostatin on XAF1 expression during the development of prostate cancer cells.
Methods:
XAF1 mRNA and protein expression in human prostate epithelial cells RWPE-1, androgen dependent prostate cancer LNCaP, and androgen independent DU145 and PC3 cells were evaluated using RT-PCR and Western blot. The regulation of XAF1 mRNA and protein expression by somatostatin and its analogue Octreotide was evaluated.
Results:
Substantial levels of XAF1 mRNA and proteins were detected in RWPE-1 cells, whereas prostate cancer cells LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 exhibited lower XAF1 expression. Somatostatin and Octreotide up-regulated XAF1 mRNA and protein expression in all prostate cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
XAF1 down-regulation may contribute to the prostate cancer development. The enhanced XAF1 expression by somatostatin indicates a promising strategy for prostate cancer therapy.
Insights
Somatostatin may help treat prostate cancer by increasing XAF1 (X-linked apoptosis gene-associated factor 1) expression. This study found somatostatin and Octreotide boosted XAF1 levels in prostate cancer cells, suggesting a therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Somatostatin is known to inhibit cell proliferation via apoptosis induction.
- Downregulation of the XAF1 transcript is implicated in prostate cancer development.
- Investigating somatostatin's regulatory role on XAF1 expression in prostate cancer is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of somatostatin on XAF1 expression in prostate cancer cells.
- To determine if XAF1 downregulation is associated with prostate cancer progression.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of somatostatin in prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- XAF1 mRNA and protein levels were assessed in normal (RWPE-1) and prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, PC3) using RT-PCR and Western blot.
- The impact of somatostatin and its analogue Octreotide on XAF1 expression was investigated.
Main Results:
- Normal prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1) showed high XAF1 expression.
- Prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, DU145, PC3) exhibited reduced XAF1 expression compared to normal cells.
- Somatostatin and Octreotide treatment led to increased XAF1 mRNA and protein levels in all tested prostate cancer cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Reduced XAF1 expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of prostate cancer.
- Somatostatin's ability to upregulate XAF1 presents a potential therapeutic avenue for prostate cancer treatment.
