The transcription factor ERG increases expression of neurotransmitter receptors on prostate cancer cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion occurs in about half of prostate cancer (PCa) cases and results in overexpression of the transcription factor ERG. Overexpression of ERG has many effects on cellular function. However, how these changes enhance cell growth and promote tumor development is unclear.

Methods

To investigate the role of ERG, LNCaP and PC3 cells were transfected with ERG and gene expression and metabolic profile were analyzed.

Results

Our data show that expression of ERG induces overexpression of many nicotinicacetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In addition, metabolic profiling by LC-MS/MS revealed elevated production of several neurotransmitters in cells expressing ERG. Consistently, treatment of ERG-expressing cells with nicotine induced elevated calci

SUBMITTER: Kissick HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4549934 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature