Integrated Hedgehog signaling is induced following castration in human and murine prostate cancers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The interplay between androgen and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways may be associated with prostate cancer progression and resistance to therapy.

Methods

Tissue microarrays from prostatectomy specimens were derived from 53 patients treated preoperatively with androgen ablation (AA) with or without chemotherapy, and from 26 stage- and grade-matched controls. A previously characterized androgen-regulated human prostate cancer xenograft was used to conduct parallel murine studies. Expression of markers of interest was determined on both untreated and castrated tumors.

Results

Four-month exposure to AA or AA with chemotherapy led to a uniform increase in Hh signaling as compared to controls, paired with an inverse trend of androgen receptor (AR) and CYP17 expre

SUBMITTER: Efstathiou E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3878994 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature