Alpha(2) macroglobulin, a PSA binding protein, is expressed in human prostate stroma.
Prostate
; 63(3): 299-308, 2005 May 15.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15611997
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized as a stromal process. The stroma smooth muscle (SM) may alter its phenotype during the progression of BPH. We have identified gene transcripts that may be differentially expressed in BPH using a differential display method. Among the fragments isolated, alpha(2) macroglobulin (alpha(2)-M) is one of the most interesting. alpha(2)-M is a binding protein of a variety of proteinases, including prostatic specific antigen (PSA). It also plays roles in molecular trapping and targeting. In this study, we characterized alpha(2)-M expression in the human prostate.METHODS:
Differential display was used to identify and isolate the differentially expressed transcripts between normal prostate and BPH tissues. RT-PCR, Western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to confirm and characterize alpha(2)-M expression in the prostate.RESULTS:
Real-time RT-PCR results revealed that a 3.2-fold increase in alpha(2)-M mRNA expression is observed in BPH compared with normal prostate tissue. A 1.9-fold increase at protein level was also observed. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry showed that alpha(2)-M expression is primarily localized to the stromal compartment. Cultured primary stroma cells maintained alpha(2)-M expression, while prostate epithelial cells had a significantly lower level of alpha(2)-M expression. Furthermore, stromal cells in culture produce and secrete alpha(2)-M in the medium.CONCLUSIONS:
We identified alpha(2)-M expression in the human prostate. An increased alpha(2)-M expression appears to be associated with BPH. Considering the unique features of its protein binding and targeting properties, alpha(2)-M expressed in the prostate may play an important role in regulating benign and malignant prostatic growth.
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Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Próstata
/
Hiperplasia Prostática
/
Alfa-Macroglobulinas
/
Expressão Gênica
Limite:
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Prostate
Ano de publicação:
2005
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos