A role for class 3 semaphorins in prostate cancer.
BACKGROUND
Class 3 semaphorins are secreted proteins that act as guidance cues for migrating cells via their transmembrane receptors plexins and neuropilins. Semaphorins have a role in cancer affecting tumor progression both directly, and indirectly by affecting angiogenesis.


METHODS
The expression of semaphorins and their receptors in prostate cancer cell lines and tissue was determined by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The effect of Sema3E on prostate cancer cell lines was determined by adhesion assays and transwell migration assays.


RESULTS
Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, are widely co-expressed in prostate cancer cell lines and tissue with a significant overexpression of Sema3E in tumor tissue. Sema3E affected integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin of prostate cancer cells, and inhibited their motility. Expression of Sema3C was upregulated and Sema3A and Sema3E were down regulated in prostate cells by hypoxia, consistent with an additional role for Sema3A and 3E as anti-angiogenic factors in prostate cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Semaphorin 3E is aberrantly expressed in prostate cancer and affects adhesion and motility of prostate cancer cells, indicating a role for the Sema3E/PlexinD1 signaling pathway in prostate cancer and identifying a new possible target for therapy.
Blanc
V
V
Prostate Cancer Research Center, UCL London, UK.
Nariculam
J
J
Munson
P
P
Freeman
A
A
Klocker
H
H
Masters
J
J
Williamson
M
M
D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D039921:Neuropilins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D039961:Semaphorins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D039921:Neuropilins; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; C494123:SEMA3E protein, human; D039961:Semaphorins; C091529:plexin