[Studies on the expression and function of the PIWI-interacting RNA piRNA-27619 in prostate cancer with a focus on...

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men, yet predictive biomarkers for assessing individual risk remain insufficient. Recent research has highlighted PIWI-interacting RNA 26719 (piRNA-26719) as a potential tumor-associated gene 1 2. This study aims to identify and characterize the expression and function of piRNA-26719 in prostate cancer.The expression of piRNA-26719 was analyzed in a high-risk prostate cancer cohort (n=121, PSA preoperative >20ng/ml) and prostate cancer cell lines using quantitative RT-PCR. Functional analyses, including RNA interference (RNAi) and subsequent assays for cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution, were conducted in prostate cancer cell lines.piRNA-26719 was biochemically validated. Expression analysis revealed a trend toward upregulation of piRNA-26719 in primary high-risk prostate tumors compared to benign hyperplasia, with significant overexpression in lymph node metastases. Functional studies demonstrated that inhibition of piRNA-26719 led to decreased proliferation in prostate cancer cells. Apoptosis assays confirmed the induced activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis, and cell cycle analysis indicated S-phase arrest in piRNA-26719-inhibited cells, but not in the less malignant 22RV1 line.These findings suggest an oncogenic role for piRNA-26719 in high-risk prostate cancer, particularly in aggressive forms, as evidenced by its overexpression in metastatic tissues. The oncogenic function of piRNA-26719 in prostate cancer is supported by its critical role in cellular proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. These results warrant further investigation into piRNA-26719's potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in prostate cancer management.