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Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Laser-capture Microdissection of Human Prostatic Epithelium for RNA Analysis
Published on: November 26, 2015
Deep sequencing of small RNA libraries from human prostate epithelial and stromal cells reveal distinct pattern of
Savita Singh1, Yun Zheng2, Guru Jagadeeswaran3
1Center of Gene Regulation in Health and Disease, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA.
Abstract:
Complex epithelial and stromal cell interactions are required during the development and progression of prostate cancer. Regulatory small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the spatiotemporal regulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) and regulation of translation affecting a large number of genes involved in prostate carcinogenesis. In this study, through deep-sequencing of size fractionated small RNA libraries we profiled the miRNAs of prostate epithelial (PrEC) and stromal (PrSC) cells. Over 50 million reads were obtained for PrEC in which 860,468 were unique sequences. Similarly, nearly 76 million reads for PrSC were obtained in which over 1 million were unique reads. Expression of many miRNAs of broadly conserved and poorly conserved miRNA families were identified. Sixteen highly expressed miRNAs with significant change in expression in PrSC than PrEC were further analyzed in silico. ConsensusPathDB showed the target genes of these miRNAs were significantly involved in adherence junction, cell adhesion, EGRF, TGF-β and androgen signaling. Let-7 family of tumor-suppressor miRNAs expression was highly pervasive in both, PrEC and PrSC cells. In addition, we have also identified several miRNAs that are unique to PrEC or PrSC cells and their predicted putative targets are a group of transcription factors. This study provides perspective on the miRNA expression in PrEC and PrSC, and reveals a global trend in miRNA interactome. We conclude that the most abundant miRNAs are potential regulators of development and differentiation of the prostate gland by targeting a set of growth factors. Additionally, high level expression of the most members of let-7 family miRNAs suggests their role in the fine tuning of the growth and proliferation of prostate epithelial and stromal cells.
Insights
This study profiles microRNAs (miRNAs) in prostate epithelial and stromal cells, revealing their crucial roles in prostate cancer development. Key miRNAs, including the let-7 family, are identified as regulators of cell growth and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Genetics
Background:
- Prostate cancer involves complex interactions between epithelial and stromal cells.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression, influencing prostate carcinogenesis.
- Understanding miRNA expression in distinct prostate cell types is crucial for cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile and compare miRNA expression in prostate epithelial (PrEC) and stromal (PrSC) cells.
- To identify specific miRNAs involved in prostate cancer development and progression.
- To elucidate the regulatory roles of miRNAs in prostate cell growth and differentiation.
Main Methods:
- Deep-sequencing of size-fractionated small RNA libraries from PrEC and PrSC.
- Bioinformatic analysis of over 50 million reads for PrEC and 76 million reads for PrSC.
- In silico analysis of highly expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes using ConsensusPathDB.
Main Results:
- Identified expression profiles for numerous conserved and poorly conserved miRNAs in both cell types.
- Found 16 highly expressed miRNAs with significant expression changes between PrSC and PrEC.
- Determined that target genes of these miRNAs are involved in cell adhesion, signaling pathways (EGFR, TGF-β, androgen), and adherence junctions.
- Observed pervasive expression of tumor-suppressor let-7 family miRNAs in both cell types.
- Discovered unique miRNAs in PrEC or PrSC targeting transcription factors.
Conclusions:
- Abundant miRNAs, particularly the let-7 family, are potential regulators of prostate gland development and differentiation.
- These miRNAs fine-tune the growth and proliferation of prostate epithelial and stromal cells.
- The study provides insights into the miRNA interactome and its role in prostate carcinogenesis.
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