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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

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OCT1-target neural gene PFN2 promotes tumor growth in androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer

Daisuke Obinata1,2, Daigo Funakoshi1, Kenichi Takayama3

  • 1Department of Urology, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1, Ooyaguchikamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8610, Japan.

Scientific Reports
|April 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Transcription factor OCT1 targets neural genes STNB1 and PFN2 in androgen receptor-negative prostate cancer (PC). Targeting these genes inhibits PC cell migration and tumor growth, offering new therapeutic strategies for advanced prostate cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies are standard for prostate cancer (PC).
  • Tumors can develop resistance by becoming AR-negative via lineage plasticity.
  • The role of transcription factor OCT1 in AR-negative PC remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify OCT1-regulated genes in AR-negative PC.
  • To investigate the role of OCT1-target genes in PC progression.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targets in AR-negative PC.

Main Methods:

  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) in patient-derived castration-resistant AR-negative PC cells.
  • Identification and validation of OCT1 target genes (STNB1, PFN2).
  • In vitro siRNA knockdown experiments and in vivo tumor growth studies.

Main Results:

  • OCT1 regulates genes associated with neural precursor cell proliferation in AR-negative PC.
  • STNB1 and PFN2 are highly expressed in human AR-negative PC tissues.
  • Knockdown of STNB1 and PFN2 inhibited AR-negative PC cell migration; PFN2 knockdown significantly reduced tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • OCT1 targets neural genes STNB1 and PFN2 in AR-negative PC.
  • STNB1 and PFN2 play critical roles in AR-negative PC cell migration and tumor growth.
  • These findings identify novel therapeutic targets for advanced prostate cancer.

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