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Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 3, 2013
New diagnostic applications and physiological functions of prostate specific antigen
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Toronto Hospital, Canada.
Summary
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is now found in various tumors and normal tissues beyond the prostate. Its physiological role in these locations, potentially as a growth factor, remains under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was traditionally considered a highly specific marker for prostatic epithelial cells.
- Recent advancements in detection sensitivity have challenged this specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of PSA in non-prostatic tissues and tumors.
- To explore the potential physiological roles of PSA in these diverse locations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized highly sensitive detection techniques to identify PSA.
- Analyzed tissue samples from various human tumors and normal tissues.
Main Results:
- PSA was detected in 30-40% of breast tumors and in lower percentages of lung, colon, ovary, liver, kidney, adrenal, and parotid tumors.
- PSA was also found in skin, salivary gland tumors, normal endometrium, normal breast tissue, lactating women's milk, and amniotic fluid.
Conclusions:
- PSA is not exclusive to the prostate and is present in a wide array of non-prostatic tissues and tumors.
- The physiological function of PSA in these tissues is unknown, but it may act as a growth factor or regulator, potentially involved in fetal development.
