CAF-mediated regulation of prostate cancer stem cell stemness via the Wnt/β-catenin and SDF-1/CXCR4 pathways in castration-resistant prostate cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the progression, therapeutic resistance, and metastasis of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate how CAFs regulate the stemness of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), with a focus on the Wnt/β-catenin and SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling pathways.

Methods

We assessed the expression of CAF and PCSC markers in xenograft tumor tissues from hormone-sensitive prostate cancer and CRPC mouse models using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The impact of CAFs on stemness markers, SDF-1, CXCR4, and Wnt pathway activation was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The expression levels of CAF and PCSC markers were significantl

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12303950 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature