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Updated: May 18, 2026

Development and Application of Rapamycin-regulated Tyrosine Phosphatases
Published on: September 6, 2024
The expression of URGCP gene in prostate cancer cell lines: correlation with rapamycin
Yavuz Dodurga1, Cığır Biray Avcı, Sunde Yılmaz Susluer
1Department of Medical Biology, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey. yavuzdodurga@gmail.com
Abstract:
Molecular targets in prostate cancer are continually being explored, for which there are currently few therapeutic options. Rapamycin (RPM) is an antifungal macrolide antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus which can inhibit the G1 to S transition. URGCP (upregulator of cell proliferation) is a novel gene located on chromosome 7p13. We aimed to investigate the role of URGCP gene expression changes in PC3, DU145, and LNCAP cell lines with/out RPM. Average cell viability and cytotoxic effect of rapamycin were investigated at 24 h intervals for three days by using Trypan blue dye exclusion test and XTT assay. Cytotoxic effects of rapamycin in DU145, PC3 and LNCAP cells were detected in time and dose dependent manner with the IC(50) doses within the range of 1-100 nM. As the results were evaluated, IC(50) doses in the DU145, PC3, and LNCaP cells were detected as 10, 25, and 50 nM, respectively. The mean relative ratios of URGCP gene expression in DU145, LNCAP and PC3 cells were found as -1.48, 6.59 and -13.00, respectively, when compared to rapamycin-free cells. The False Discovery Rate adjusted p value in DU145, LNCAP and PC3 were 1.25 × 10(-5), 2.20 × 10(-8) and 6.20 × 10(-9), respectively. When the URGCP gene expression level is compared between the dose and control group, we found that URGCP gene expression was significantly decreased in dose groups of DU145 and PC3 cells.
Insights
Rapamycin (RPM) affects prostate cancer cell viability and URGCP gene expression. RPM significantly decreased URGCP gene expression in DU145 and PC3 cell lines, indicating its potential role in prostate cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate cancer has limited therapeutic options.
- Rapamycin (RPM) inhibits cell cycle progression.
- URGCP (upregulator of cell proliferation) is a novel gene implicated in cell growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Rapamycin (RPM) on URGCP gene expression in prostate cancer cell lines (PC3, DU145, LNCAP).
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects and dose-dependent response of RPM in these cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability and cytotoxicity assessed using Trypan blue dye exclusion and XTT assays over three days.
- URGCP gene expression levels analyzed in RPM-treated and control prostate cancer cell lines.
- Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) determined for RPM.
Main Results:
- RPM exhibited time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in DU145, PC3, and LNCAP cells, with IC50 values ranging from 1-100 nM.
- Specific IC50 values were 10 nM for DU145, 25 nM for PC3, and 50 nM for LNCaP.
- URGCP gene expression was significantly decreased in DU145 and PC3 cells upon RPM treatment compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Rapamycin demonstrates significant cytotoxic effects on prostate cancer cell lines.
- RPM treatment leads to a notable decrease in URGCP gene expression in specific prostate cancer models.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for RPM and highlight the involvement of URGCP in prostate cancer progression.
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