Prostate Cell News Volume 5.39 | Oct 17 2014

The Thoc1 Ribonucleoprotein and Prostate Cancer Progression
THOC1 encodes a nuclear ribonucleoprotein whose expression is higher in some cancers than in normal tissue. Researchers tested the hypothesis that THOC1 may be a functionally relevant biomarker that can improve the identification of aggressive prostate cancer. [J Natl Cancer Inst] Abstract

RUNX1 Is Essential for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Proliferation and Myofibroblast Differentiation
Investigators report the characterization of normal human prostate-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the TGF-β1-regulated pathways that modulate MSC proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation. Human prostate MSCs combined with prostate cancer cells expressing TGF-β1 resulted in commitment to myofibroblasts. [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA] Abstract | Full Article

E-Selectin Ligand-1 Controls Circulating Prostate Cancer Cell Rolling/Adhesion and Metastasis
To elucidate the roles of circulating prostate cancer (PCa) cells’ rolling and adhesion behaviors in cancer metastases, researchers applied a dynamic cylindrical flow-based microchannel device that is coated with E-selectin and stromal cell-derived factor 1, mimicking capillary endothelium. Using this device they captured a small fraction of rolling PCa cells that display higher static adhesion ability, more aggressive cancer phenotypes and stem-like properties. [Oncotarget] Full Article

Secretogranin II Is Overexpressed in Advanced Prostate Cancer and Promotes the Neuroendocrine Differentiation of Prostate Cancer Cells
Scientists investigated the expression of the neuroendocrine secretory protein secretogranin II in prostate cancer, and its potential involvement in the progression of this cancer as a granulogenic factor promoting neuroendocrine differentiation. [Eur J Cancer] Abstract

Androgen Receptor Splice Variants Contribute to Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness through Induction of EMT and Expression of Stem Cell Marker Genes
Researchers investigated the mechanism(s) by which androgen receptor (AR) splice variants contribute to castration-resistant prostate cancer. Expressions of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem cell markers were molecularly tested using prostate cancer cells transfected with AR and AR3 plasmids or siRNA, and also cultured cells under androgen deprivation therapy condition. [Prostate] Abstract

HMGN5 Knockdown Sensitizes Prostate Cancer Cells to Ionizing Radiation
Researchers report that High Mobility Group N 5 (HMGN5) knockdown sensitizes prostate cancer cells to ionizing radiation (IR), and the radiosensitization effect may be partially mediated through suppressed induction of mitochondrial antioxidant MnSOD and enhanced activation of apoptosis pathway in response to IR. [Prostate] Abstract

Decreased Expression of EFS Is Correlated with the Advanced Prostate Cancer
Researchers used in silico and experimental approaches to compare the expression of embryonal Fyn-associated substrate (EFS) between normal prostate and prostate cancer. They show that EFS expression is remarkably downregulated in prostate cancer cells, compared to normal prostate cells. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

The E1 Copper Binding Domain of Full-Length Amyloid Precursor Protein Mitigates Copper-Induced Growth Inhibition in Brain Metastatic Prostate Cancer DU145 Cells
Scientists examined the role played by the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in mitigating copper-induced growth inhibition of the prostate cancer cell line, DU145. A range of APP molecular constructs were stably over-expressed in DU145 cells and their effects on cell proliferation in the presence of copper were monitored. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Full Article

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Intense Androgen-Deprivation Therapy with Abiraterone Acetate Plus Leuprolide Acetate in Patients with Localized High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results of a Randomized Phase II Neoadjuvant Study
A neoadjuvant randomized Phase II trial of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist with abiraterone acetate was conducted in patients with localized high-risk prostate cancer. [J Clin Oncol] Abstract

Tumor Responses following a Steroid Switch from Prednisone to Dexamethasone in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Patients Progressing on Abiraterone
Investigators performed a ‘steroid switch’ in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer at PSA progression on abiraterone and prednisolone. Patients were monitored for secondary declines in PSA, radiological tumor regression and toxicity. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

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Ipsen Announces Positive Results from Phase III Clinical Study of Decapeptyl^® (Triptorelin Pamoate) 11.25 mg Administered by Subcutaneous Route to Prostate Cancer Patients
Ipsen announced positive results from the Phase III study of triptorelin pamoate 11.25 mg (Decapeptyl^® 3 months) administered subcutaneously in patients with locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. [Press release from Ipsen discussing research presented at the European Association of Urology (EAU) 14^th Central European Meeting, Cracow ] Press Release

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Cost to NHS of Providing Sipuleucel-T Too High to be Recommended in Draft Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has issued preliminary draft guidance not recommending sipuleucel-T for prostate cancer in people whose disease has spread, who have few symptoms and when chemotherapy would not yet have been given. [National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]
Press Release

Food and Drug Administration (United States)

Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (United States)

European Medicines Agency (European Union)

Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (United Kingdom)

Therapeutic Goods Administration (Australia)

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NEW Postdoctoral Fellow – Prognostic Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer (McGill University)

Physician Scientist – Prostate Cancer Genomics (University of Chicago)

Tenure Track Position – Cancer Biology (Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center)

Postdoctoral Position – Bioinformatics for Prostate Cancer (CRUK Manchester Institute)

Postdoctoral Scholar – Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Tumor Cell Invasion and Metastasis (Case Western Reserve University)

Research Assistant – Clinical Prostate Cancer Research Group (Garvan Institute of Medical Research)

Postdoctoral Fellows and Graduate Student Positions (Vancouver Prostate Centre)

Postdoctoral Fellowship Position – Cancer Immunology (Cornell University)

Scientist – Prostate Cell Research (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Cell Culture Support Products (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Scientist – Immunology/Cell Separation (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

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