Distinct expression patterns of SULT2B1b in human prostate epithelium

Abstract

Background SULT2B1b (sulfotransferase family cytosolic 2B member 1b) catalyzes the sulfate conjugation of substrates such as cholesterol and oxysterols. Our laboratory has previously shown that SULT2B1b inhibition modulates androgen receptor signaling and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. However, the functions of SULT2B1b in the prostate remain poorly understood. Methods We characterized the expression pattern of SULT2B1b in human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) as well as prostate cancer to determine the relationship between SULT2B1b and prostate diseases, using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblot, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Results SULT2B1b was strongly detected in the prostate epithelium but was absent in the stroma. Significantly lower SULT2B1b was found in primary cancer cells compared with adjacent normal epithelial cells. SULT2B1b further decreased in metastatic cancer cells. Most interestingly, we found, for the first time, that SULT2B1b was much more concentrated in the luminal layer than in the basal layer in both normal prostate and BPH samples. The stronger presence of SULT2B1b in luminal epithelial cells was confirmed by costaining with luminal and basal markers and in sorted paired luminal and basal cells. SULT2B1b expression was induced with prostate organoid differentiation. Conclusions SULT2B1b inversely correlates with prostate cancer status, with the highest level in the normal epithelium and lowest in the advanced metastatic prostate cancer. Furthermore, SULT2B1b is mostly located within the luminal layer of the prostate epithelium, suggesting that it may be implicated in luminal differentiation.

Sulfotransferase SULT2B1 facilitates colon cancer metastasis by promoting SCD1‐mediated lipid metabolism

“…High expression of SULT2B1 was found to be related to poor prognosis in CC patients with distant metastasis. Interestingly, SULT2B1 is highly expressed in prostate cancer 39 , 40 and gastric cancer. 22 Despite this, the reason for the high expression of SULT2B1 in tumours has not been established.…”

27‐Hydroxycholesterol promotes metastasis by SULT2A1‐dependent alteration in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…The relationship between SULT and cancer progression has not been well determined. Several early studies discovered the distinct expression patterns of SULT in human cancers, 43 , 44 considering it as an independent influencing factor that can act on different signaling pathways. 45 , 46 Here, we first linked SULT with HCC metastasis in the metabolic pathway, specifically, that SULT2A1 can affect HCC metastasis by regulating the level of 27‐OHC.…”

The utility of 3D models to study cholesterol in cancer: Insights and future perspectives

“…SULT2B1b is further associated with characteristics of malignant prostate cancer. Interestingly, a strong positive correlation between SULT2B1b and epithelial differentiation was also documented ( 91 ).…”

“…Cholesterol sulphate is one such metabolite synthesized by the enzyme sulfotransferase family 2B member 1 (SULT2B1b). In prostate cancer organoids, the expression of SULT2B1b inversely correlates with cancer progression ( 91 ). SULT2B1b is further associated with characteristics of malignant prostate cancer.…”