Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 2, 2025

Methods to Study Mrp4-containing Macromolecular Complexes in the Regulation of Fibroblast Migration
Published on: May 19, 2016
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and its receptor (CNTFRα) signal through MAPK/ERK pathway in human prostate
Sonia Fantone1, Giovanni Tossetta2, Rodolfo Montironi3
1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona. s.fantone@pm.univpm.it.
Abstract:
Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a member of interleukin-6 type cytokine family. The CNTF receptor complex is a heterodimer including gp130 and CNTF receptor α (CNTFRα) proteins triggering the activation of multiple intracellular signaling pathways including AKT/PI3K, MAPK/ERK and Jak/STAT pathways. At present no data are available on the localization of CNTF and CNTFRα in prostate as well as on the role of CNTF in this organ. In this study we have analyzed the localization of CNTF and CNTFRα by immunohistochemistry and we have used PWR-1E cell line as a model for normal glandular cell to investigate the role of this cytokine. Our results show that CNTF and CNTFRa are expressed in the staminal compart of the prostate and that CNTF selectively inhibits ERK pathway. In conclusion, we suggest that CNTF could be considered as key molecule to maintenance epithelium homeostasis via pERK downregulation by an autocrine mechanism. Further CNTF studies in prostate cancer could be useful to verify the potential role of this cytokine in carcinogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
Microtubules in Signaling
Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway
Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...

