Human C1q Tumor Necrosis Factor 8 (CTRP8) defines a novel tryptase+ mast cell subpopulation in the prostate cancer

Sai Nivedita Krishnan1, Thatchawan Thanasupawat1, Leanne Arreza1

  • 1Dept. of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Canada.

Insights

The adipokine CTRP8 is identified as a novel marker for mast cells in prostate cancer. This finding reveals CTRP8

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The adipokine C1q Tumor Necrosis Factor 8 (CTRP8) is a poorly understood ligand for the relaxin receptor RXFP1.
  • Previous research indicated CTRP8-RXFP1 interactions promote cancer cell motility, invasion, and drug resistance.
  • Limited tools for CTRP8 detection hindered understanding of its biological roles in normal and tumor tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To generate and characterize the first specific antiserum for human CTRP8.
  • To investigate CTRP8's role as a marker in normal and prostate cancer (PC) tissues.
  • To explore CTRP8's function in mast cells (MCs) and its potential as an oncogenic factor.

Main Methods:

  • Development and validation of a specific antiserum against human CTRP8.
  • Analysis of human PC tissue microarrays to quantify CTRP8+ tryptase+ mast cells (MCT).
  • Assessment of CTRP8's effect on human MC proliferation and degranulation in vitro.

Main Results:

  • CTRP8 was identified as a novel marker for tryptase+ mast cells (MCT) in human tissues and the PC microenvironment.
  • Significantly higher numbers of CTRP8+ MCT were found in the peritumor versus intratumor compartments of PC tissues (Gleason scores 6 and 7).
  • Increased CTRP8+ MCT correlated with biochemical recurrence in PC patients. CTRP8 modulated MC proliferation and reduced degranulation.

Conclusions:

  • CTRP8 serves as a novel marker for tryptase+ mast cells (MCT).
  • CTRP8 is implicated as an autocrine/paracrine oncogenic factor within the prostate cancer microenvironment.
  • This study provides essential tools and insights into CTRP8's function in cancer biology.