Prostate epithelial cell differentiation and its relevance to the understanding of prostate cancer therapies.
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in males in the western world. However, little is known about its origin and development. This review highlights the biology of the normal prostate gland and the differentiation of basal epithelial cells to a secretory phenotype. Alterations in this differentiation process leading to cancer and androgen-independent disease are discussed, as well as a full characterization of prostate epithelial cells. A full understanding of the origin and characteristics of prostate cancer epithelial cells will be important if we are to develop therapeutic strategies to combat the heterogeneous nature of this disease.
Long
Ronan M
RM
Department of Surgery, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Republic of Ireland. ronanlong@hotmail.com
Morrissey
Colm
C
Fitzpatrick
John M
JM
Watson
R William G
RW
D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000473:pathology; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000032:analysis; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000473:pathology
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D000728:Androgens; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D010750:Phosphoproteins; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen