TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion variants induce TGF-β signaling and epithelial to mesenchymal transition in human prostate cancer cells.

ABSTRACT: TMPRSS2:ERG (T/E) gene fusions are present in approximately 50% of all prostate cancer (PCa) cases. The expression of fusion mRNAs from distinct T/E variants is associated with clinicopathological parameters, while the underlying molecular processes remain unclear. We characterized the molecular mechanisms and functional implications caused by doxycycline (Dox)-inducible overexpression of the frequent T/E III and VI fusion variants in LNCaP cells. Induction of T/E expression resulted in increased cellular migratory and invasive potential, and reduced proliferation and accumulation in G1 phase. T/E overexpressing cells showed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as demonstrated by upregulation of TGF-β and WNT pathway genes, mesenchymal markers, and increased phosphorylation of the p

SUBMITTER: Ratz L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5421914 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature