Prostate Cell News Volume 3.45 | Nov 23 2012

MicroRNA-34b Inhibits Prostate Cancer through Demethylation, Active Chromatin Modifications and AKT Pathways
Researchers investigated the status and role of microRNA (miR)-34b in prostate cancer. Profiling of miR-34b was performed in human prostate cancer cell lines and clinical samples by quantitative-real-time-PCR and in situ hybridization. [Clin Cancer Res] Abstract

LABORATORY RESEARCH

Galectin-3 Regulates p21 Stability in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
The authors demonstrated for the first time that the level of Galectin-3 (Gal-3) protein is associated with the level of p21 protein expression in human prostate cancer cells and the effects of Gal-3 on cell growth and apoptosis were reversed by modulating p21 expression level. [Oncogene] Abstract

Benzyl Isothiocyanate Induces Protective Autophagy in Human Prostate Cancer Cells via Inhibition of mTOR Signaling
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is a dietary chemopreventive agent that inhibits the growth of various human cancer cells by causing apoptotic cell death. Here, researchers demonstrated that BITC not only induces apoptosis but also induces autophagy in human hormone-sensitive and -refractory prostate cancer cells. [Carcinogenesis] Abstract

The Multi-Leu Peptide Inhibitor Discriminates between PACE4 and Furin and Exhibits Antiproliferative Effects on Prostate Cancer Cells
It was previously demonstrated that PACE4 plays an important role in prostate cancer and could be a druggable target. Researchers described the identification of the sequence LLLLRVKR, named Multi-Leu (ML)-peptide, that displayed a 20-fold selectivity on PACE4 over furin, two enzymes with similar structural characteristics. The ML-peptide significantly reduced the proliferation of DU145 and LNCaP prostate cancer-derived cell lines and induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. [J Med Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Melanoma Antigen-A11 (MAGE-A11) Enhances Transcriptional Activity by Linking Androgen Receptor Dimers
Investigators provide evidence on how increased expression of MAGE-11 during prostate cancer progression enhances androgen receptor signaling and prostate cancer growth. [J Biol Chem] Abstract | Full Article

Increase in Serum Ca2+/Mg2+ Ratio Promote Proliferation of Prostate Cancer Cells by Activating TRPM7 Channel
Scientists discovered that TRPM7 channel has an important role in prostate cancer and have identified that Ca2+/Mg2+ ratio could be essential for the initiation/progression of prostate cancer. [J Biol Chem]
Abstract | Full Article

Hyaluronan (HA) Interacting Proteins Receptor Hyaluronan Mediated Motility and Hyaluronidase Impact Prostate Cancer Cell Behavior and Invadopodia Formation in 3D HA-Based Hydrogels
To study the individual functions of HA interacting proteins in prostate cancer motility through connective tissues, investigators developed a novel three-dimensional (3D) hyaluronic acid hydrogel assay that provides a flexible, quantifiable, and physiologically relevant alternative to current methods. [PLoS One] Full Article

LINE-1 ORF-1p Functions as a Novel Androgen Receptor Co-Activator and Promotes the Growth of Human Prostatic Carcinoma Cells
Researchers showed that long interspersed nucleotide acid element-1 (LINE-1) ORF-1p increased androgen receptor transcriptional activity and in turn enhanced the expression of prostate specific antigen in the presence of R1881. [Cell Signal] Abstract

Androgen Receptor Primes Prostate Cancer Cells to Apoptosis through Down-Regulation of Basal p21 Expression
Scientists report that in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, androgen receptor promotes UV-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of basal expression of p21 independently of its transcriptional activity. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract

Potent Activity of the Hsp90 Inhibitor Ganetespib in Prostate Cancer Cells Irrespective of Androgen Receptor Status or Variant Receptor Expression
Researchers examined the preclinical activity of ganetespib, a small molecule inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines. [Int J Oncol] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Cabozantinib in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer: Results of a Phase II Randomized Discontinuation Trial
The authors evaluated the activity of cabozantinib in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer in a phase II randomized discontinuation trial with an expansion cohort. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract

Aeterna Zentaris Announces Initiation of Phase II Portion of Phase I/II Trial with AEZS-108 in Prostate Cancer
Aeterna Zentaris Inc. announced the start of the phase II portion of its ongoing phase I/II study in castration- and taxane-resistant prostate cancer with AEZS-108. The trial on the company’s targeted cytotoxic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analog, AEZS-108, is being supported by a three-year US$1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to Jacek Pinski, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Southern California. [Aeterna Zentaris Inc.] Press Release

Famed New York Philanthropist Commits $7 Million to Advanced Prostate Cancer Research
New York’s flamboyant philanthropic billionaire Stewart Rahr gave research focused on curing prostate cancer a huge boost, committing $7 million to support the cause. Of the $7 million, $5 million of the donation will go to support a recently announced Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF)-Stand Up to Cancer Dream Team with the remainder earmarked to support various PCF research awards, including funding to PCF Young Investigators. [The Prostate Cancer Foundation] Press Release

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NEW 66th Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) Annual Scientific Meeting
April 13-16, 2013
Melbourne, Australia

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Postdoctoral Position – Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer (Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo)

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Postdoctoral Position – DNA Methylation as a Diagnostic Marker of Prostate Cancer (Universita’ degli Studi di Torino)

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