A study revealing some new findings about prostate cells, has pointed out some new strategies for the future treatment of aggressive and drug resistance prostate cancer. This study confirms that the prostate basal cell layer contains some adult stem cells. These cells have unique gene expression profiling similar to the most deadly prostate cancer. The relevant report was published on February 29th.
Whether the human prostate has adult stem cells and their localization in the basal cell layer of the lumen has been great a controversy. The study provides evidence that prostate basal cell layer contains the self-renewal adult stem cells.
The results, combining Pol-I and MYC inhibitors, provides a theoretical basis for the therapy of prostate with high aggression and drug resistance. Pol-I is an enzyme in DNA replication. MYC regulation gene plays an important role in cell transformation and death.
The prostate contains basal and luminal cells of mice. Some recent studies identify both cells as the original cells of prostate cancer. However, until now the existence of human prostate stem cells and their locations are still mysterious and controversial.
The team used RNA-Seq to do whole genome analysis of the human benign prostatic basal and luminal cells and found them express genes in a different way. Some basal cells are self renewing adult stem cells.
This finding is very important, because a small part of the prostate cancer (less than 5%) is highly invasive. It does not respond to the current anti prostate cancer treatment.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor in male genitourinary system. Patients are generally over 65 years old. Prostate cancer incidence and mortality rank second in Western countries of male malignant tumor.
The team also found that basal stem cells contain a genetic element, which is regulated by MYC partially. It brings hope to people: the most lethal prostate cancer and resistant prostate cancer may have a new treatment option.
