The Significance of Key Regulators of Apoptosis in the Development and Prognosis of Prostate Carcinoma. Ii. Products of Suppressor Genes Rb and Pten, Cdki, Fas

Abstract

The molecular basis for the transition of carcinoma of the prostate from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent growth is largely unknown. Currently for example, it is not clear whether the androgen-independent phenotype is a result of selection of a subgroup of genetically distinct prostate tumour cells which are already hormone-resistant or a genetic adaptation of prostate tumour cells to the hormone therapy itself. It has also been established that prostate tumour transformation is a result of homeostatic control defects, a line of thinking directed toward elucidating the apoptotic profile of prostate tumour cells that may be important in determining prognosis, response to therapy and illness progression. Main consideration in this part of rewiev is given to the role of tumour suppressor genes pRb and PTEN and also the natural inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinases - proteins p21(Waf1/Cip1) and p27(Kip1). Attention is also given to the role of FAS-mediated pathways in apoptosis induction.

Androgen receptor down regulation by small interference RNA induces cell growth inhibition in androgen sensitive as well as in androgen independent prostate cancer cells

“…This up regulation was not only seen on mRNA level, as found by microarray analysis and real time PCR, but also on protein level as measured by Western blotting. p21 Waf1/Cip1 belongs to the KIP/CIP family of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors [21]. It plays an important role in progression through the cell cycle by inhibiting cyclin dependent kinase activity and causing G 0 -G 1 arrest [22].…”

Structural insights into the homology and differences between mouse protein tyrosine phosphatase-sigma and human protein tyrosine phosphatase-sigma

“…Dysregulation of PTPs is associated with a multitude of diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, allergic inflammation, and nervous system diseases [2][3][4][5][6][7]. Many members of the PTP family have been identified as potential therapeutic targets [8].…”