A Review of the Expression of Genes Involved in Sex Steroid Hormone Metabolism in Prostate Tissue: A Need for Epigenetic Information

Abstract

There is strong clinical and laboratory evidence indicating that sex steroid hormones are important to the development and progression of prostate cancer, yet results from epidemiologic research conflicts. Examining gene expression in the sex steroid hormone pathway may uncover differences between cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissues, yet our review using a pathway-oriented approach indicates that there is limited consistency across results, with the exception of GSTP1 found in the estrogen pathway, which was under-expressed in cancerous prostate tissue. This agrees with past studies that reported GSTP1 is methylated in prostate cancer. With new cost-effective technology, we can screen for epigenetic markers, like methylation, which can be applied in epidemiological studies. A clearer understanding of gene expression and epigenetic mechanisms in prostate cancer may contribute to improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.