Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

11:29
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
11.3K
Prostate stem cell antigen is expressed in normal and malignant human brain tissues
Hiroe Ono1, Hiromi Sakamoto1, Teruhiko Yoshida1
1Division of Genetics, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
Oncology Letters
|February 14, 2018
Summary
Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is found in normal human brain cells and various brain tumors. While PSCA may be a target for brain tumor therapy, its presence in normal cells could cause adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) is a cell surface protein with known roles in prostate and gastric cancers.
- PSCA's expression in the human brain and its implications for neurological conditions have not been fully understood.
- Previous research indicated weak PSCA expression in normal astrocytes but aberrant expression in gliomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of PSCA in the normal human brain.
- To identify PSCA expression patterns in various human brain tumors.
- To evaluate PSCA as a potential therapeutic target for brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect PSCA expression.
- Analysis included normal human brain tissue and a range of brain tumor samples.
Main Results:
- PSCA was identified in normal neural and choroid plexus cells of the human brain.
- PSCA expression was confirmed in medulloblastoma, glioma, papilloma, papillary carcinoma of the choroid plexus, ependymoma, and meningioma.
- The study observed PSCA expression in both normal brain cells and various brain tumors.
Conclusions:
- PSCA is expressed in normal human brain cells, including neurons and choroid plexus cells.
- PSCA is present in a variety of brain tumors, suggesting a potential tumor-promoting role.
- Targeting PSCA for brain tumor therapy may lead to adverse effects due to its expression in normal neural tissues.
Related Concept Videos
Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
2.1K
After cellular or tissue damage, the resident stem cells present in the human body can locally repair and regenerate the damaged tissue or organ. However, even though some tissues do not have stem cells, they can repair and regenerate with the help of pre-existing cells. For example, beta cells of the pancreas and hepatocytes of the liver can divide to renew and regenerate the tissue. Here, both cell division and cell death are well regulated by homeostasis.
However, failure of such a system...
However, failure of such a system...
2.1K
Cell Specific Gene Expression
16.6K
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.6K
Embryonic Stem Cells
32.7K
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are undifferentiated pluripotent cells, meaning they can produce any cell type in the body. This gives them tremendous potential in science and medicine since they can generate specific cell types for use in research or to replace body cells lost due to damage or disease.
32.7K
Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
4.7K
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
4.7K
Antigen Presenting Cells
3.4K
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
3.4K
Adult Stem Cells
33.9K
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce more stem cells or progenitor cells that differentiate into mature, specialized cell types. All the cells in the body are generated from stem cells in the early embryo, but small populations of stem cells are also present in many adult tissues including the bone marrow, brain, skin, and gut. These adult stem cells typically produce the various cell types found in that tissue—to replace cells that are damaged or to continuously...
33.9K

