Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
Sequencing Small Non-coding RNA from Formalin-fixed Tissues and Serum-derived Exosomes from Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer Patients
Published on: November 19, 2019
Exosomal ZFPL1 Identifies Neuroendocrine and Stem Cell-Like Prostate Cancer Subtypes?
Neshat Masud1, Johnmesha Sanders1, Kenneth A Iczkowski2
1Replace Louisiana for Los Angeles, Pharmacology, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana, USA.
Background:
Calcitonin (CT) and its receptor promote prostate cancer (PC) progression and metastasis. Identifying downstream CT-regulated genes may provide clinically useful biomarkers.
Methods:
Subtraction hybridization was used to identify CT-inducible genes. Expression of zinc finger protein-like 1 (ZFPL1) was examined in malignant versus benign prostate tissues and evaluated for regulation by CT and androgens. Exosomal secretion of ZFPL1 protein was assessed, and plasma levels were measured in PC patients compared with cancer-free individuals. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess ZFPL1 localization with neuroendocrine (NE) and stem cell markers.
Results:
ZFPL1 was strongly expressed in malignant prostates but nearly absent in benign tissues. Its expression was upregulated by both CT and androgens. ZFPL1 protein was secreted through exosomes, and plasma concentrations in PC patients were at least fourfold higher than in cancer-free controls. Immunohistochemistry confirmed ZFPL1 co-localization with NE and stem cell markers, suggesting an association with aggressive, androgen-resistant PC.
Conclusions:
ZFPL1 is a CT- and androgen-regulated protein selectively expressed in malignant prostate cells and secreted via exosomes. Its elevated plasma levels and association with aggressive disease highlight its promise as a non-invasive biomarker for PC detection and monitoring.
