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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
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Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
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GHRH and the prostate
Laura Muñoz-Moreno1, Irene D Román1, Ana M Bajo2
1Departamento de Biología de Sistemas. Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (Research group "Cánceres de origen epitelial"), Universidad de Alcalá, Campus Científico-Tecnológico, 28871, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
|November 6, 2024
Summary
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) and its receptors are found in prostate cancer. Novel GHRH receptor variants and potent antagonists show promise for treating prostate conditions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hypothalamic hormones, including growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), were isolated in the late 1960s-early 1970s.
- GHRH and its receptors (GHRH-R) are expressed in normal tissues, tumors, and various human cancers, including prostate cancer (PCa).
- Splice variants (SVs) of GHRH-R are found in both pituitary and extrapituitary tissues, including neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and role of GHRH-R and its splice variants in prostate tissues.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of GHRH-R antagonists for prostate-related conditions.
Main Methods:
- Detection and characterization of GHRH-R and its splice variants (SV1-SV4, novel SV) in normal prostate and PCa specimens.
- Analysis of signaling pathways activated by GHRH (AC/cAMP/PKA, Ras/Raf/ERK, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, JAK2/STAT3).
- Evaluation of GHRH-R antagonists, specifically the AVR series, for anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- Truncated GHRH-R splice variants (SV1-SV4) and a novel SV were detected in human prostate and PCa.
- GHRH signaling pathways are involved in cell survival, proliferation, and cytokine secretion.
- The AVR series of GHRH-R antagonists demonstrated superior anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
Conclusions:
- GHRH-R and its splice variants are present in prostate cancer, suggesting a role in disease progression.
- GHRH-R antagonists, particularly the AVR series, represent a promising therapeutic strategy for prostate cancer and other related conditions.
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