Heterogeneity in plasminogen activator (PA) levels in human prostate cancer cell lines: increased PA activity correlates with biologically aggressive behavior.
Plasminogen activators (PA), particularly the lower Mr urokinase (u-PA) type, have been associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We have examined the expression of PA by two human prostate cancer cell lines (PC-3 and DU-145) using functional and immunologic techniques. The culture media and cell extracts of the more aggressive PC-3 cell line contained more than two-fold greater PA activity than the relatively indolent DU-145 cell line. Zymographic studies identified the PA expressed as u-PA. PC-3 cells expressed an additional lower molecular weight form of u-PA not noted in DU-145 cells. Heterogeneity in u-PA expression was shown by the fibrin lysis assay, immunohistochemistry, and dual parameter flow cytometry indicating the presence of phenotypically divergent cell populations. Increased u-PA expression may identify those tumor cells that possess aggressive biological potential.
Keer
H N
HN
Department of Urology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.
Gaylis
F D
FD
Kozlowski
J M
JM
Kwaan
H C
HC
Bauer
K D
KD
Sinha
A A
AA
Wilson
M J
MJ
D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D010960:Plasminogen Activators / Q000032:analysis*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / Q000032:analysis
D010960:Plasminogen Activators; D014568:Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator