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Silencing APLNR enhances the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Peng Li1, Yanfang Cui2, Keyao Hu1

  • 1Department of Urology, Yantaishan Hospital, Laishan District Science and Technology Avenue 10087, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.

Clinical & Translational Oncology : Official Publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico
|September 9, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Silencing the apelin receptor (APLNR) in prostate cancer (PCa) inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis, enhancing radiosensitivity. This effect is mediated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, offering new therapeutic strategies for PCa.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Aberrant apelin receptor (APLNR) expression is implicated in various cancers.
  • The specific role of APLNR in prostate cancer (PCa) pathogenesis is not well understood.
  • This research investigates the function and underlying mechanisms of APLNR in PCa.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of apelin receptor (APLNR) in prostate cancer (PCa).
  • To explore the potential molecular mechanisms by which APLNR influences PCa progression.
  • To assess the impact of APLNR modulation on PCa cell behavior and radiosensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) for APLNR mRNA expression.
  • Cell proliferation assays (plate cloning) and apoptosis analysis (flow cytometry).
  • Western blot for apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway components; immunofluorescence for DNA damage marker (γ-H2AX).

Main Results:

  • APLNR expression is significantly upregulated in PCa tissues and cells.
  • Silencing APLNR inhibited PCa cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and promoted DNA damage, enhancing radiosensitivity.
  • APLNR silencing suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; pathway activation reversed these effects.

Conclusions:

  • Downregulation of APLNR inhibits PCa cell proliferation and apoptosis while enhancing radiosensitivity.
  • The observed effects are linked to the modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
  • Targeting APLNR presents a novel therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer treatment.
Keywords:
APLNRCell apoptosisPI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathwayProstate cancer

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