title: Regulation of prostatic genes: role of androgens and zinc in gene expression.
abstract: Gene expression in the rat dorsolateral prostate gland has been studied using cloned cDNA probes to the most abundant expressed mRNAs. One cDNA clone (pM-40) corresponds to two closely homologous mRNAs of about 880 nucleotides which code for two proteins of 23 and 21 kilodaltons (kDa). At least the 23-kDa protein contains a signal peptide. Another clone (pRWB) corresponds to a 1550-nucleotide mRNA which codes for a 52-kDa protein which also contains a signal peptide. The steady-state levels of these specific mRNAs increase in the dorsolateral prostate with sexual maturation. In castrated mature male rats, the M-40 mRNAs are inducible either by androgens or zinc, while the RWB mRNA is only responsive to androgens. In situ cDNA-mRNA hybridization histochemistry has been used to study the localization of the M-40 and RWB gene transcripts. Both M-40 and RWB mRNAs are most abundant in the epithelium of the lateral tip of the dorsolateral prostate. Following castration, the RWB mRNA decreases, while the M-40 mRNAs continue to be expressed in isolated areas of the epithelium. These castration-resistant cells maintain normal morphology in the absence of androgens.
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D005796:Genes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D009919:Orchiectomy; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011467:Prostate / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013739:Testosterone; D015032:Zinc