PrLZ is expressed in normal prostate development and in human prostate cancer progression.
OBJECTIVE
We previously reported the isolation and characterization of PrLZ, a novel prostate-specific and androgen-responsive gene of the tumor protein D52 family at chromosome 8q21.1. PrLZ is the only known gene in this locus with prostate specificity. Expression level of PrLZ was elevated specifically in cancer cells, suggesting its association with malignancy.


METHODS
To define its biological function in the morphogenesis, development, and functional maturation of the prostate gland and to gain further insight into its role in prostate cancer, we examined PrLZ expression in prostate specimens during early embryonic development and in adult tissue.


RESULTS
PrLZ first appears in the nuclei of the prostate epithelia at 16 weeks of gestation before its distribution in the cytoplasm at later ages. Its expression peaks at 24 years of age, declines at 31 years of age, and maintains a minimal level in later age. On prostate cancer development, PrLZ expression is reactivated, and its expression increases from primary localized tumor to bone metastasis. Overexpression of PrLZ in prostate cancer cells accelerates their growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo.


CONCLUSIONS
This work identifies PrLZ as a marker for prostate cancer progression and metastasis, and its pattern of expression is suggestive of a proto-oncogene.
Wang
Ruoxiang
R
Department of Urology and Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. rwang2@emory.edu
Xu
Jianchun
J
Mabjeesh
Nicola
N
Zhu
Guodong
G
Zhou
Jianguang
J
Amin
Mahul
M
He
Dalin
D
Marshall
Fray F
FF
Zhau
Haiyen E
HE
Chung
Leland W K
LW
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000737:chemistry; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D018450:Disease Progression; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D011467:Prostate / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D014162:Transfection
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; C000715470:MAS1 protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; C114751:TPD52 protein, human