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Generation of a Mouse Prostate Organoid-Based Model for Studying Host-Pathogen Interactions
Published on: February 27, 2026
LEF1 identifies androgen-independent epithelium in the developing prostate
Xinyu Wu1, Garrett Daniels, Ellen Shapiro
1Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, 423 East 23rd Street, New York, New York 10010, USA.
Molecular Endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)
|April 30, 2011
Summary
Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1) marks androgen-independent prostate progenitors. These cells are crucial for embryonic development and adult prostate regeneration, even after androgen deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Wnt/β-catenin pathway, mediated by Lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), is crucial in genitourinary development.
- Interactions between the Androgen Receptor (AR) and Wnt pathways are implicated in genitourinary organ development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and function of LEF1-positive cells during prostate development in humans and mice.
- To understand the role of LEF1 in prostate development and regeneration in relation to AR signaling.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of LEF1 localization in human and murine prostate development.
- Utilizing the TOPGAL reporter strain to track Wnt signaling dynamics.
- Employing AR inhibition (bicalutamide) to study prostate regression and progenitor cell behavior.
Main Results:
- LEF1 is found in basal epithelial layers of the urogenital sinus in both humans and mice, with additional mesenchymal localization in mice.
- During prostate branching morphogenesis, LEF1 and AR expression domains are mutually exclusive.
- Wnt/LEF1-positive basal cells are androgen-independent and can repopulate the luminal compartment after AR inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Wnt/LEF1 activity identifies a distinct population of androgen-independent prostate progenitor cells.
- This progenitor population plays a vital role in embryonic prostate development.
- These cells are essential for adult prostate maintenance and regeneration, particularly under conditions of androgen deprivation.
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