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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
06:02
Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: June 10, 2016
Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions and transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression during normal and abnormal
T L Timme1, L D Truong, K M Slawin
1Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) isoforms are abundant in mouse prostate mesenchyme. TGF-beta 1 accumulation correlates with abnormal prostate growth, suggesting its role in benign and malignant conditions.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are crucial for prostate development and morphogenesis.
- Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) isoforms are implicated in mediating these interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of TGF-beta isoforms in the developing and adult prostate.
- To determine the association of TGF-beta 1 accumulation with benign and malignant prostate growth abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Separation of fetal urogenital sinus (UGS) tissue into mesenchymal and epithelial components.
- Quantitative mRNA expression analysis of TGF-beta isoforms.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of TGF-beta 1 localization in mouse and human prostate tissues.
Main Results:
- TGF-beta 1, 2, and 3 mRNA expression is higher in prostate mesenchyme than epithelium.
- TGF-beta 1 accumulates in the mesenchyme surrounding ductules in developing and adult prostates.
- Extracellular TGF-beta 1 accumulation is significantly higher in prostate cancer (59%) and BPH (26%) compared to normal tissue (8.6%).
- Intracellular TGF-beta 1 localization differs between prostate cancer (predominantly epithelial) and BPH (predominantly stromal).
Conclusions:
- TGF-beta 1 plays a potential role in the development of benign and malignant prostate growth abnormalities.
- Further studies using models like prostate reconstitution are needed to elucidate TGF-beta 1's pathobiological significance.
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