Pharmacokinetic profile and physiological effects of oral and compounded intravenous gabapentin in goats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics and physiological effects following oral and intravenous (IV) administration of gabapentin in goats. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, crossover study with a 3 week washout period between treatments. ANIMALS: A total of eight healthy, client-owned, female goats. METHODS: Gabapentin (10 mg kg-1) was administered to goats either orally or IV. Gabapentin concentrations were measured in serum samples collected 0-96 hours post-administration using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and temperature were recorded before and throughout the study. Correlations of the mean serum concentrations of gabapentin to those of each physiological parameter were determined using the Pearson method. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of oral bioavailability for gabapentin was 60.9 ± 11.2%. Maximum serum concentration of gabapentin was lower following oral (1.19 ± 0.29 µg mL-1) than after IV administration (59.76 ± 14.38 µg mL-1, p < 0.0001). Half-lives were longer following PO (8.18 ± 0.57 hours) than after IV administration (1.79 ± 0.06 hours, p < 0.0001). Time to maximum concentration was 6.86 ± 2.27 hours following oral administration. Heart rate was inversely correlated with serum gabapentin concentrations. Slight ataxia was observed in three animals, and one became recumbent following IV gabapentin. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gabapentin is well-absorbed following oral administration to goats but yielded significantly lower serum concentrations than the IV route. The longer half-life of gabapentin following oral than after IV administration may result from prolonged absorption throughout the caprine gastrointestinal tract. IV gabapentin may cause slight ataxia in some goats.

Facilitated introgression from domestic goat into Alpine ibex at immune loci.

Hybridization can result in the transfer of adaptive genetic material from one species to another, known as adaptive introgression. Bottlenecked (and hence genetically depleted) species are expected to be particularly receptive to adaptive introgression, since introgression can introduce new or previously lost adaptive genetic variation. The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), which recently recovered from near extinction, is known to hybridize with the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), and signals of introgression previously found at the major histocompatibility complex were suggested to potentially be adaptive. Here, we combine two ancient whole genomes of Alpine ibex with 29 modern Alpine ibex genomes and 31 genomes representing six related Capra species to investigate the genome-wide patterns of introgression and confirm the potential relevance of immune loci. We identified low rates of admixture in modern Alpine ibex through various F statistics and screening for putative introgressed tracts. Further results based on demographic modelling were consistent with introgression to have occurred during the last 300 years, coinciding with the known species bottleneck, and that in each generation, 1-2 out of 100 Alpine ibex had a domestic goat parent. The putatively introgressed haplotypes were enriched at immune-related genes, where the adaptive value of alternative alleles may give individuals with otherwise depleted genetic diversity a selective advantage. While interbreeding with domestic species is a prevalent issue in species conservation, in this specific case, it resulted in putative adaptive introgression. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between hybridization, adaptive evolution, and the potential risks and benefits associated with anthropogenic influences on wild species.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals genomic variation and dynamics in Ethiopian indigenous goats.

Ethiopia has about 52 million indigenous goats with marked phenotypic variability, which is the outcome of natural and artificial selection. Here, we obtained whole-genome sequence data of three Ethiopian indigenous goat populations (Arab, Fellata, and Oromo) from northwestern Ethiopia and analyzed their genome-wide genetic diversity, population structure, and signatures of selection. We included genotype data from four other Ethiopian goat populations (Abergelle, Keffa, Gumuz, and Woyto-Guji) and goats from Asia; Europe; and eastern, southern, western, and northern Africa to investigate the genetic predisposition of the three Ethiopian populations and performed comparative genomic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis showed that Fellata goats exhibited the lowest heterozygosity values (Ho = 0.288 ± 0.005 and He = 0.334 ± 0.0001). The highest values were observed in Arab goats (Ho = 0.310 ± 0.010 and He = 0.347 ± 4.35e-05). A higher inbreeding coefficient (FROH = 0.137 ± 0.016) was recorded for Fellata goats than the 0.105 ± 0.030 recorded for Arab and the 0.112 ± 0.034 recorded for Oromo goats. This indicates that the Fellata goat population should be prioritized in future conservation activities. The three goat populations showed the majority (∼63%) of runs of homozygosity in the shorter (100-150 Kb) length category, illustrating ancient inbreeding and/or small founder effects. Population relationship and structure analysis separated the Ethiopian indigenous goats into two distinct genetic clusters lacking phylogeographic structure. Arab, Fellata, Oromo, Abergelle, and Keffa represented one genetic cluster. Gumuz and Woyto-Guji formed a separate cluster and shared a common genetic background with the Kenyan Boran goat. Genome-wide selection signature analysis identified nine strongest regions spanning 163 genes influencing adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments (HOXC12, HOXC13, HOXC4, HOXC6, and HOXC9, MAPK8IP2), immune response (IL18, TYK2, ICAM3, ADGRG1, and ADGRG3), and production and reproduction (RARG and DNMT1). Our results provide insights into a thorough understanding of genetic architecture underlying selection signatures in Ethiopian indigenous goats in a semi-arid tropical environment and deliver valuable information for goat genetic improvement, conservation strategy, genome-wide association study, and marker-assisted breeding.

Home range in genus Capra: from polygons to Brownian bridges of scabietic and healthy Iberian ibexes (Capra pyrenaica).

Home range and home range overlap can be used to describe use of space and movement of wildlife. During the last years, advancements in technology have greatly improved our understanding of animal movement, especially among large herbivores. Wild ungulate abundance and distribution have increased in temperate areas. Moreover, their diseases-including sarcoptic mange in the Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica)-have become a cause of concern for livestock, public health, and wildlife conservation. In this study, we first reviewed existing literature on the home range of species in the genus Capra. We then analyzed data from 52 GPS-GSM-collared Iberian ibexes, of which 33 were healthy and 19 were affected by sarcoptic mange from 3 different populations in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula to analyze: (1) differences in size and characteristics of home ranges obtained by the 3 most commonly used methodologies-minimum convex polygon, kernel density estimation, and Brownian bridges movement models (BBMMs); and (2) the impact of endemic sarcoptic mange on Iberian Ibex home range. The literature review revealed that available information on spatial behavior of Capra spp. was based only on 3 species, including the Iberian Ibex, estimated through a diversity of methods which made it difficult to compare results. We found positive correlations among the different home range estimation methods in the Iberian Ibex, with BBMMs proving to be the most accurate. This study is the first to use BBMMs for estimating home range in this species, and it revealed a marked seasonal behavior in spatial use, although sarcoptic mange smoothed such seasonal pattern. The seasonal overlaps obtained suggest that core areas of the Iberian Ibex change within wider home range areas, which are ecological parameters relevant to identifying key areas for species management and conservation.

Wildlife-Livestock Host Community Maintains Simultaneous Epidemiologic Cycles of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in a Mountain Ecosystem.

Infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) is an eye disease caused by Mycoplasma conjunctivae that affects domestic and wild caprines, including Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica), a medium-sized mountain ungulate. However, its role in IKC dynamics in multi-host communities has been poorly studied. This study assessed M. conjunctivae in Iberian ibex and seasonally sympatric domestic small ruminants in the Natural Space of Sierra Nevada (NSSN), a mountain habitat in southern Spain. From 2015 to 2017, eye swabs were collected from 147 ibexes (46 subadults, 101 adults) and 169 adult domestic small ruminants (101 sheep, 68 goats). Mycoplasma conjunctivae was investigated through real-time qPCR and statistically assessed according to species, sex, age category, year, period, and area. The lppS gene of M. conjunctivae was sequenced and phylogenetically analysed. Mycoplasma conjunctivae was endemic and asymptomatic in the host community of the NSSN. Three genetic clusters were shared by ibex and livestock, and one was identified only in sheep, although each host species could maintain the infection independently. Naïve subadults maintained endemic infection in Iberian ibex, with an epizootic outbreak in 2017 when the infection spread to adults. Wild ungulates are epidemiologically key in maintaining and spreading IKC and other shared diseases among spatially segregated livestock flocks.

Complete mitogenome sequence analysis of an Indian Black Bengal goat, Capra hircus, and its phylogenetic consequences.

Capra hircus (Black Bengal goat) is a prized goat breed reared across the Southeast Asian region. Known for its excellent chevon quality and adaptability to hot and humid climates, it supports the livelihood of millions of farmers. The present study reveals the complete mitogenome of a Black Bengal goat of Indian origin utilizing a next-generation sequencing approach (GenBank acc. no.-MZ073671). This newly assembled whole mitochondrial genome (16,637 bp) is composed of a non-coding control region (D-loop region), two ribosomal RNA (rRNA genes), 13 protein-coding genes, and 22 transfer RNA (tRNA). Overall, the current mitogenome shares 99.77% sequence homology with previously reported mitogenomes of Capra hircus. The phylogenetic analysis inferred that the current mitogenome shares a close relationship with the Teressa goat breed of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Understanding Circular RNAs in Health, Welfare, and Productive Traits of Cattle, Goats, and Sheep.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique noncoding RNA molecules, notable for their covalent closed-loop structures, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression across a variety of biological processes. This review comprehensively synthesizes the existing knowledge of circRNAs in three key livestock species: Bos taurus (cattle), Ovis aries (sheep), and Capra hircus (goats). It focuses on their functional importance and emerging potential as biomarkers for disease detection, stress response, and overall physiological health. Specifically, it delves into the expression and functionality of circRNAs in these species, paying special attention to traits critical to livestock productivity such as milk production, meat quality, muscle development, wool production, immune responses, etc. We also address the current challenges faced in circRNA research, including the need for standardized methodologies and broader studies. By providing insights into the molecular mechanisms regulated by circRNAs, this review underscores their scientific and economic relevance in the livestock industry. The potential of circRNAs to improve animal health management and the quality of animal-derived products aligns with growing consumer concerns for animal welfare and sustainability. Thus, this paper aims to guide future research directions while supporting the development of innovative strategies in livestock management and breeding.

Host specific Eimeria genus diagnosis and qPCR development in Ovis aries and Capra hircus.

The objective of the present study was to develop a real-time PCR (qPCR) technique for the diagnosis of Eimeria spp. in Ovis aries and Capra hircus. The qPCR technique was developed using SYBR Green, resulting in a PCR with high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility.

Human social buffer in goats and dogs.

The primary goal of this study was to explore the social buffering effect that humans offer to goats and dogs with limited exposure to human socialization, particularly in situations involving interactions with unfamiliar humans. A total of 13 dogs and 14 goats were selected for the study, all of which had limited prior socialization with humans. Each animal was placed in a testing room with unfamiliar humans for 15 min. Three experimenters aimed to establish a comfortable environment, encouraging social interaction by offering food to the animals and assessing the animals' willingness to accept food and their response to being approached and petted. If both conditions were satisfied, the animals were classified as "social". If one or none of the conditions were met, the animals were classified as "not social". Cortisol levels were measured by collecting blood samples before and after the test. Non-parametric tests together with a GzLM showed that the effect of human social buffering in goats was different in comparison to dogs: goats exhibited higher cortisol levels after the test, while dogs did not show a significant change. Further analysis demonstrated that "social" goats had a lower likelihood of experiencing significant changes in cortisol levels than dogs. Thus, once human interactions are accepted, both species could benefit from social buffering. In summary, this study enhances our understanding of how dogs and goats respond to social interactions with humans in the social buffering effect.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity in Romanian Carpatina Goats Using SNP Genotyping Data.

Animal husbandry is one of man's oldest occupations. It began with the domestication of animals and developed continuously, in parallel with the evolution of human society. The selection and improvement of goats in Romania was not a clearly defined objective until around 1980. In recent years, with the increasing economic value given to goats, breeding programs are becoming established. In Romania, a few goat genetic studies using microsatellites and mtDNA have been carried out; however, a systematic characterization of the country's goat genomic resources remains missing. In this study, we analyzed the genetic variability of Carpatina goats from four distinct geographical areas (northern, north-eastern, eastern and southern Romania), using the Illumina OvineSNP60 (RefSeq ARS1) high-density chip for 67 goats. Heterozygosity values, inbreeding coefficients and effective population size across all autosomes were calculated for those populations that inhabit high- and low-altitude and high- and low-temperature environments. Diversity, as measured by expected heterozygosity (HE), ranged from 0.413 in the group from a low-temperature environment to 0.420 in the group from a high-temperature environment. Within studied groups, the HT (high temperature) goats were the only group with a positive but low average inbreeding coefficient value, which was 0.009. After quality control (QC) analysis, 46,965 SNPs remained for analysis (MAF < 0.01). LD was calculated for each chromosome separately. The Ne has been declining since the time of domestication, having recently reached 123, 125, 185 and 92 for the HA (high altitude), LA (low altitude), HT (high temperature) and LT (low temperature) group, respectively. Our study revealed a low impact of inbreeding in the Carpatina population, and the Ne trend also indicated a steep decline in the last hundred years. These results will contribute to the genetic improvement of the Carpatina breed.

Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in nasal swabs from communal goats (Capra hircus) in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Animal tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium bovis, presents a significant threat to both livestock industries and public health. Mycobacterium bovis tests rely on detecting antigen specific immune responses, which can be influenced by exposure to non-tuberculous mycobacteria, test technique, and duration and severity of infection. Despite advancements in direct M. bovis detection, mycobacterial culture remains the primary diagnostic standard. Recent efforts have explored culture-independent PCR-based methods for identifying mycobacterial DNA in respiratory samples. This study aimed to detect M. bovis in nasal swabs from goats (Capra hircus) cohabiting with M. bovis-infected cattle in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Nasal swabs were collected from 137 communal goats exposed to M. bovis-positive cattle and 20 goats from a commercial dairy herd without M. bovis history. Swabs were divided into three aliquots for analysis. The first underwent GeneXpert® MTB/RIF Ultra assay (Ultra) screening. DNA from the second underwent mycobacterial genus-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing, while the third underwent mycobacterial culture followed by PCR and sequencing. Deep sequencing identified M. bovis DNA in selected Ultra-positive swabs, confirmed by region-of-difference (RD) PCR. Despite no other evidence of M. bovis infection, viable M. bovis was cultured from three communal goat swabs, confirmed by PCR and sequencing. Deep sequencing of DNA directly from swabs identified M. bovis in the same culture-positive swabs and eight additional communal goats. No M. bovis was found in commercial dairy goats, but various NTM species were detected. This highlights the risk of M. bovis exposure or infection in goats sharing pastures with infected cattle. Rapid Ultra screening shows promise for selecting goats for further M. bovis testing. These techniques may enhance M. bovis detection in paucibacillary samples and serve as valuable research tools.

Anaplasma capra: a new emerging tick-borne zoonotic pathogen.

The genus Anaplasma includes A. marginale, A. centrale, A. bovis, A. ovis, A. platys, and A. phagocytophilum transmitted by ticks, some of which are zoonotic and cause anaplasmosis in humans and animals. In 2012, a new species was discovered in goats in China. In 2015, the same agent was detected in humans in China, and it was provisionally named Anaplasma capra, referring to 2012. The studies conducted to date have revealed the existence of A. capra in humans, domestic animals, wild animals, and ticks from three different continents (Asia, Europe, and Africa). Phylogenetic analyses based on gltA and groEL sequences show that A. capra clearly includes two different genotypes (A. capra genotype-1 and A. capra genotype-2). Although A. capra human isolates are in the genotype-2 group, goat, sheep, and cattle isolates are in both groups, making it difficult to establish a host genotype-relationship. According to current data, it can be thought that human isolates are genotype-2 and while only genotype-1 is found in Europe, both genotypes are found in Asia. Anaplasma capra causes clinical disease in humans, but the situation is not yet sufficient to understand the zoonotic importance and pathogenicity in animals. In the present review, the history, hosts (vertebrates and ticks), molecular prevalence, pathogenic properties, and genetic diversity of A. capra were evaluated from a broad perspective.

Participatory investigation of goat farmers' breeding practices, trait preference, and selection criteria in Burkina Faso.

The community-based breeding program (CBBP) is an innovative approach recommended for genetic improvement and sustainable use of animal genetic resources in extensive farming systems. Successful implementation of this approach requires an understanding of the characteristics of production systems, breeding objectives, and farmers' trait preference. This study aimed to identify the selection criteria of goat farmers in rural areas of Burkina Faso and their potential implications in establishing CBBP. Following focus group discussions, a well-structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 372 randomly selected goat farmers in two different agro-ecological zones. A list of traits obtained during focus group discussions was provided to farmers individually, and they were asked to rank the ones they preferentially use to select breeding animals. Statistical tests were conducted to compare data between the two agro-ecological zones. The results showed that the average goat flock per household was higher (P < 0.05) in the Sudanian (15.68 ± 13.76), compared to the Sudano-Sahelian area (12.93 ± 13.3). Adult females were the dominant age-sex group in both areas. Reasons for culling, keeping breeding bucks, and castration practice were significantly different (P < 0.05) among agro-ecological zones. The most important common criterion for selection in the two zones was body size, coat color, and growth rate for the bucks and does, while fertility (0.06) parameters including twining ability (0.18), kidding frequency (0.11), and mothering ability (0.15) were furthermore considered for breeding does selection. These findings provide valuable insights for developing CBBPs tailored to goat production in the study areas.

Seeking temporal refugia to heat stress: increasing nocturnal activity despite predation risk.

Flexibility in activity timing may enable organisms to quickly adapt to environmental changes. Under global warming, diurnally adapted endotherms may achieve a better energy balance by shifting their activity towards cooler nocturnal hours. However, this shift may expose animals to new or increased environmental challenges (e.g. increased predation risk, reduced foraging efficiency). We analysed a large dataset of activity data from 47 ibex (Capra ibex) in two protected areas, characterized by varying levels of predation risk (presence versus absence of the wolf-Canis lupus). We found that ibex increased nocturnal activity following warmer days and during brighter nights. Despite the considerable sexual dimorphism typical of this species and the consequent different predation-risk perception, males and females demonstrated consistent responses to heat in both predator-present and predator-absent areas. This supports the hypothesis that shifting activity towards nighttime may be a common strategy adopted by diurnal endotherms in response to global warming. As nowadays different pressures are pushing mammals towards nocturnality, our findings emphasize the urgent need to integrate knowledge of temporal behavioural modifications into management and conservation planning.

Whole-genome SNP genotyping unveils ancestral and recent introgression in wild and domestic goats.

After the domestication of goats around 10,000 years before the present (BP), humans transported goats far beyond the range of their wild ancestor, the bezoar goat. This brought domestic goats into contact with many wild goat species such as ibex and markhor, enabling introgression between domestic and wild goats. To investigate this, while shedding light on the taxonomic status of wild and domestic goats, we analysed genome-wide SNP data of 613 specimens from 14 taxonomic units, including Capra hircus, C. pyrenaica, C. ibex (from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia), C. aegagrus aegagrus, C. a. cretica, C. h. dorcas, C. caucasica caucasica, C. c. severtzovi, C. c. cylindricornis, C. falconeri, C. sibirica sibirica, C. s. alaiana and C. nubiana, as well as Oreamnos americanus (mountain goat) as an outgroup. To trace gene flow between domestic and wild goats, we integrated genotype data of local goat breeds from the Alps as well as from countries such as Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Russia (Caucasus and Altai) and Pakistan. Our phylogenetic analyses displayed a clear separation between bezoar-type and ibex-type clades with wild goats from the Greek islands of Crete and Youra clustered within domestic goats, confirming their feral origin. Our analyses also revealed gene flow between the lineages of Caucasian tur and domestic goats that most likely occurred before or during early domestication. Within the clade of domestic goats, analyses inferred gene flow between African and Iberian goats. The detected events of introgression were consistent with previous reports and offered interesting insights into the historical relationships among domestic and wild goats.

Investigation of tick-borne bacterial microorganisms in Haemaphysalis ticks from Hebei, Shandong, and Qinghai provinces, China.

Tick-borne microorganisms in many tick species and many areas of China are still not thoroughly investigated. In this study, 224 ticks including two species (Haemaphysalis longicornis and Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis) were collected from four cities in Hebei, Shandong, and Qinghai provinces, China. Ticks were screened for the presence of tick-borne bacterial microorganisms including Rickettsia, Anaplasmataceae (Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Neoehrlichia, etc.), Coxiella, Borrelia, and Bartonella. Two Anaplasma species (Anaplasma ovis and Anaplasma capra) were detected in H. longicornis from Xingtai City of Hebei Province, with a positive rate of 3 % and 8 %, respectively. A Coxiella species was detected in H. longicornis ticks from all three locations in Hebei and Shandong provinces, with the positive rate ranging from 30 to 75 %. All the 16S and rpoB sequences were very similar (99.77-100 % identity) to Coxiella endosymbiont of Haemaphysalis ticks. An Ehrlichia species was detected in H. qinghaiensis (6/66, 9 %) from Xining City, Qinghai Province. The 16S and groEL sequences had 100 % and 97.40-97.85 % nucleotide identities to "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana" strains, respectively, suggesting that it may be a variant of "Candidatus Ehrlichia pampeana". All the ticks were negative for Rickettsia, Borrelia, and Bartonella. Because all the ticks were removed from goats or humans and were partially or fully engorged, it is possible that the microorganisms were from the blood meal but not vectored by the ticks. Our results may provide some information on the diversity and distribution of tick-borne pathogens in China.

Morpometric and molecular characterization of Surguli goat through CO1 gene in district Kohat.

The present study was designed with the aim to study morphometric characterization as well as phylogeny and diversity of the local Surguli goat at their breeding tract district Kohat through mitochondrial DNA region, i.e., Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit One (CO1) gene. Morphometric data and blood samples were collected from thirty (30) pure goats. Morphometric analysis showed that sex had significant effect (p < 0.05) on body weight, body length, hearth girth and horn length while no significant effect (p > 0.05) was observed for other characteristics. The results also indicated that age had significant effect (p < 0.05) on height at rump, ear length, horn length and tail length while no significant effect (p > 0.05) was observed for other characteristics. The phylogenetic analysis through CO1 nucleotide sequences within nucleotide range 1-767 showed nine polymorphic sites segregating into eight haplotypes. The mean intraspecific diversity and mean interspecific diversity were calculated as 0.23 and 2.36%, respectively. Phylogenetic tree revealed that Capra Ibex and native Surguli goat have common ancestors. The morphometric and molecular results obtained from the present study can be exploited as a selection tool for breeding and overall improvement.

Molecular Survey of Anaplasma capra in Goats in Van Province, Eastern Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: A newly discovered zoonotic infection carried by ixodid ticks, Anaplasma capra, affects a wide variety of hosts, including numerous mammals. A. capra most likely infects erythrocytes or endothelial cells in mammals. This study aimed to investigate the A. capra pathogen in goats in Türkiye's Van province. METHODS: A total of 200 goat blood samples were examined. Goat samples were subjected to partial amplification of the gltA gene fragment using a nested polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A. capra DNA was detected in 0.5% of goat blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of a partial gltA gene fragment showed that the Eastern Türkiye isolate, closely grouped with A. capra isolates reported from wild and domestic ruminants in France, Türkiye, and Kyrgyzstan, formed a distinct clade. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of A. capra in goats in Van province, Eastern Türkiye.

Identification of tumor-agnostic biomarkers for predicting prostate cancer progression and biochemical recurrence.

The diverse clinical outcomes of prostate cancer have led to the development of gene signature assays predicting disease progression. Improved prostate cancer progression biomarkers are needed as current RNA biomarker tests have varying success for intermediate prostate cancer. Interest grows in universal gene signatures for invasive carcinoma progression. Early breast and prostate cancers share characteristics, including hormone dependence and BRCA1/2 mutations. Given the similarities in the pathobiology of breast and prostate cancer, we utilized the NanoString BC360 panel, comprising the validated PAM50 classifier and pathway-specific signatures associated with general tumor progression as well as breast cancer-specific classifiers. This retrospective cohort of primary prostate cancers (n=53) was stratified according to biochemical recurrence (BCR) status and the CAPRA-S to identify genes related to high-risk disease. Two public cohort (TCGA-PRAD and GSE54460) were used to validate the results. Expression profiling of our cohort uncovered associations between PIP and INHBA with BCR and high CAPRA-S score, as well as associations between VCAN, SFRP2, and THBS4 and BCR. Despite low levels of the ESR1 gene compared to AR, we found strong expression of the ER signaling signature, suggesting that BCR may be driven by ER-mediated pathways. Kaplan-Meier and univariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated the expression of ESR1, PGR, VCAN, and SFRP2 could predict the occurrence of relapse events. This is in keeping with the pathways represented by these genes which contribute to angiogenesis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It is likely that VCAN works by activating the stroma and remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, SFRP2 overexpression has been associated with increased tumor size and reduced survival rates in breast cancer and among prostate cancer patients who experienced BCR. ESR1 influences disease progression by activating stroma, stimulating stem/progenitor prostate cancer, and inducing TGF-ß. Estrogen signaling may therefore serve as a surrogate to AR signaling during progression and in hormone-refractory disease, particularly in prostate cancer patients with stromal-rich tumors. Collectively, the use of agnostic biomarkers developed for breast cancer stratification has facilitated a precise clinical classification of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and highlighted the therapeutic potential of targeting estrogen signaling in prostate cancer.