Androgen-dependent expression of c-jun and c-fos in human non-transformed epithelial prostatic cells: association with cell proliferation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on the gene expression of C-FOS and C-JUN and on the proliferation of human non-transformed epithelial prostatic (HNTEP) cells.


METHODS
Cell proliferation (MTT) and C-FOS and C-JUN mRNA expression (RT-PCR) were determined in cells treated with DHT (10(-8), 10(-10), and 10(-13)M) or with control medium.


RESULTS
DHT 10(-13) M had a significant stimulatory effect on cell proliferation (p < 0.05) and C-FOS and C-JUN gene expression when compared to cells treated with higher concentrations of this hormone (10(-10) and 10(-8)M) or with the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data demonstrate that the increase in C-FOS and C-JUN expression and cell growth in HNTEP cells is maximal with the lowest DHT concentration (10(-13)M). These proto-oncogenes may play a role in the control of hormone responsiveness and cell proliferation in HNTEP cells.
Brum
Ilma S
IS
Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. ilma@vortex.ufrgs.br
Morsch
Débora M
DM
Pozzobon
Adriane
A
Boeri
Valderes A
VA
Geib
Guilherme
G
Spritzer
Poli Mara
PM
D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis
D000728:Androgens; D016760:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013196:Dihydrotestosterone