Calcitonin receptor mRNA expression in the human prostate

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Endocrinology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Prostate neuroendocrine (NE) cells produce calcitonin (CT), potentially regulating other prostate cells via paracrine mechanisms.
• Previous studies indicated the presence of CT binding sites in prostate tissue.
• The role of CT receptor gene expression in the human prostate remained unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gene expression of the CT receptor in the human prostate.
• To determine the specific isoform and cellular localization of the CT receptor in the prostate.
• To elucidate the autocrine/paracrine signaling pathway involving CT in the prostate.

Main Methods:

• Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect CT receptor mRNA.
• DNA sequencing to verify amplified products and identify receptor isoforms.
• In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry to determine cellular localization of CT receptor and CT-secreting cells.

Main Results:

• CT receptor mRNA was detected in normal prostate tissue.
• The expressed CT receptor isoform lacked a 16-amino acid insert in the first intracellular domain.
• CT receptor was localized to prostate NE cells, including some CT-secreting cells.

Conclusions:

• CT receptor is expressed in subsets of prostate NE cells (both CT-secreting and non-secreting).
• This expression is a key component of the CT functional pathway in the prostate.
• Prostate CT likely plays a significant role in the autocrine/paracrine regulation of the prostate NE system.