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Updated: May 21, 2026
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
Splice variant PRKC-ζ(-PrC) is a novel biomarker of human prostate cancer
1Division of Pathology, Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, 6th Floor, Duncan Building, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GA, UK.
Background:
Previously, using gene-knockdown techniques together with genome expression array analysis, we showed the gene protein Kinase C (PKC)-zeta (PRKCZ) to mediate the malignant phenotype of human prostate cancer. However, according to NCBI, the gene has undergone several major iterations. Therefore, to understand the relationship between its structure and biological activities, we have analysed its expressed sequence in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues.
Methods:
Transcriptome-walking and targeted PCR were used to sequence the mRNA transcribed from PRKCZ. Hydropathy analysis was employed to analyse the hypothetical protein sequence subsequently translated and to identify an appropriate epitope to generate a specific monoclonal antibody.
Results:
A novel sequence was identified within the 3'-terminal domain of human PRKCZ that, in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues, is expressed during transcription and thereafter translated into protein (designated PKC-ζ(-PrC)) independent of conventional PKC-ζ(-a). The monoclonal antibody detected expression of this 96 kD protein only within malignant prostatic epithelium.
Interpretation:
Transcription and translation of this gene sequence, including previous intronic sequences, generates a novel specific biomarker of human prostate cancer. The presence of catalytic domains characteristic of classic PKC-β and atypical PKC-ι within PKC-ζ(-PrC) provides a potential mechanism for this PRKCZ variant to modulate the malignant prostatic phenotype out-with normal cell-regulatory control.
Insights
Researchers identified a novel protein variant, PKC-ζ(-PrC), derived from the PRKCZ gene in prostate cancer. This variant acts as a specific biomarker for malignant prostatic epithelium, offering new insights into cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genetics
Background:
- The protein Kinase C (PKC)-zeta (PRKCZ) gene was previously linked to human prostate cancer malignancy.
- Gene structure updates necessitated re-evaluation of PRKCZ's role in prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the expressed sequence of PRKCZ in prostate cancer cell lines and tissues.
- To understand the relationship between PRKCZ structure and its biological activities in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptome-walking and targeted PCR for PRKCZ mRNA sequencing.
- Hydropathy analysis for protein sequence evaluation.
- Monoclonal antibody generation for specific protein detection.
Main Results:
- A novel PRKCZ transcript and protein (PKC-ζ(-PrC)) were identified in prostate cancer cells and tissues.
- This 96 kD protein was exclusively detected in malignant prostatic epithelium.
- PKC-ζ(-PrC) expression is independent of the conventional PKC-ζ(-a) form.
Conclusions:
- The novel PRKCZ gene sequence generates a specific biomarker for human prostate cancer.
- PKC-ζ(-PrC) contains catalytic domains suggesting a role in modulating malignant phenotype.
- This variant may drive prostate cancer progression by bypassing normal cell regulatory controls.
