Prostate Cell News Volume 6.09 | Mar 13 2015

Targeting ASCT2-Mediated Glutamine Uptake Blocks Prostate Cancer Growth and Tumor Development
Researchers demonstrated the glutamine transporter ASCT2 is highly expressed in prostate cancer patient samples. Using LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines, they showed that chemical or shRNA-mediated inhibition of ASCT2 function in vitro decreases glutamine uptake, cell cycle progression through E2F transcription factors, mTORC1 pathway activation and cell growth. [J Pathol] Abstract  |  Full Article

P21 Activated Kinase-1 Mediates Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced Prostate Cancer Cell Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Scientists determined if P21-activated kinase1 (Pak1), which mediates cytoskeletal remodeling is necessary for the transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) induced prostate cancer epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Effects of TGFβ1 on control prostate cancer PC3 and DU145 cells and those with IPA 3 and siRNA mediated Pak1 inhibition were tested for prostate tumor xenograft in vivo and EMT in vitro. [Biochim Biophys Acta] Abstract

TGFβ-Induced Phosphorylation of Par6 Promotes Migration and Invasion in Prostate Cancer Cells
Researchers investigated the importance of phosphorylated partition-defective 6 (Par6) in prostate cancer. They generated a p-Par6³⁴⁵-specific antibody and verified its specificity in vitro. [Br J Cancer] Abstract

β-Arrestin2 Contributes to Cell Viability and Proliferation via the Down-Regulation of FOXO1 in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Researchers demonstrated that β-arrestin2 contributes to the cell viability and proliferation of castration-resistant prostate cancer via the down-regulation of FOXO1 activity and expression. [J Cell Physiol] Abstract

Methylselenocysteine Preventing Castration-Resistant Progression of Prostate Cancer
Scientists investigated the ability of methylselenocysteine to inhibit castration-resistant progression of prostate cancer. The regrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer xenografts after castration was monitored. [Prostate] Abstract

SD-208, a Novel Protein Kinase D Inhibitor, Blocks Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation and Tumor Growth In Vivo by Inducing G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest
Targeted inhibition of protein kinase D (PKD) by SD-208 resulted in potent inhibition of cell proliferation, an effect that could be reversed by overexpressed PKD1 or PKD3. SD-208 also blocked prostate cancer cell survival and invasion, and arrested cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. [PLoS One] Full Article

Identification of Suitable Endogenous Controls for Gene and miRNA Expression Studies in Irradiated Prostate Cancer Cells
Scientists evaluated the stability of commonly used endogenous control genes for messenger RNA and miRNAs expression studies in prostate cell lines following irradiation. [Tumor Biol] Abstract

CLINICAL RESEARCH

A Phase I Clinical Trial of CD1c (BDCA-1)⁺ Dendritic Cells Pulsed With HLA-A*0201 Peptides for Immunotherapy of Metastatic Hormone Refractory Prostate Cancer
Scientists performed an open-label dose-finding Phase I study to evaluate the safe use of CD1c⁺ blood-derived dendritic cells (BDC) in patients with advanced metastatic hormone refractory prostate cancer. [J Immunother] Abstract

Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion 1 and Human Organic Cation Transporter 1 Polymorphisms in Patients with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Receiving Metformin (SAKK 08/09)
Researchers explored the impact of organic cation transporter 1 and multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter 1 genetic polymorphisms on toxicity, and clinical activity of metformin in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. [Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis] Abstract

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Epic Sciences and The Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium Collaborate to Advance Therapeutic Development
Epic Sciences and The Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium announced they have entered into a collaboration to apply Epic’s circulating tumor cell technology in multiple investigator-initiated clinical trials to advance the development of new prostate cancer treatments. [Epic Sciences] Press Release

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Scientist – Pluripotent Stem Cell Media Development, High Throughput Screening (STEMCELL Technologies Inc.)

Postdoctoral Position – Stem Cell Biology/Cancer Biology (Oregon Health and Science University)

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Prostate Cancer (University of Sydney)

PhD Studentship – Prostate Cancer (University of Hull)

Director – Vector Production (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Senior Process Development Engineer (Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.)

Postdoctoral Research – Scientist Metabolic Adaptation in Treatment Resistant Prostate Cancer (Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute in Glasgow)

Postdoctoral Position – Molecular Mechanisms and Translational Investigations of Advanced Prostate Cancer (Cleveland Clinic)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Prostate Cancer (University of Pennsylvania)

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