Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues
Published on: September 8, 2015
Expression of the extracellular matrix signaling molecule Cyr61 is downregulated in prostate cancer
C P Pilarsky1, U Schmidt, C Eissrich
1Department of Urology, Technical University Dresden, Germany.
Background:
Prostate cancer (CaP) is one of the most common neoplasms in the USA and Europe. We used differential display PCR (DD-PCR) to identify genes related to the development of prostate cancer.
Methods:
The RNA of 4 patients with untreated CaP was analyzed for differentially expressed genes. Using DD-PCR, we identified a downregulated cDNA-fragment in these prostate cancer cells. This fragment (N7) was cloned and further analyzed by CMRT-PCR, Northern-blot analysis, and in situ hybridization.
Results:
Sequence analysis revealed that N7 is identical to the 3'-untranslated region of the recently described immediate early gene Cyr61. Comparative multiplex RT-PCR with sequence specific primers showed that Cyr61 is downregulated in the tumor tissue of 7 out of 13 patients. By in situ hybridization we could demonstrate that the expression of Cyr61 is restricted to the epithelium of the prostate. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Cyr61 protein could be found in the epithelium of normal prostatic tissue, whereas prostate cancer tissue showed a marked decrease of Cyr61 protein expression.
Conclusions:
Cyr61 is a member of the emerging family of extracellular signaling proteins and enhances the effect of bFGF. The changed pattern of expression Cyr61 might therefore contribute to the altered interactions between epithelial and stromal cells in prostate carcinoma.
Related Concept Videos
The Extracellular Matrix
Autocrine Signaling
Autocrine Signaling in Macrophages
Under normal physiological conditions, autocrine signaling is essential for maintaining homeostasis. This process is well characterized in...
Abnormal Proliferation
The Tumor Microenvironment
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...

