E-cadherin is downregulated in benign prostatic hyperplasia and required for tight junction formation and permeability barrier in the prostatic epithelial cell monolayer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We previously reported the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the stromal compartment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Since PSA is expressed exclusively by prostatic luminal epithelial cells, PSA in the BPH stroma suggests increased tissue permeability and the compromise of epithelial barrier integrity. E-cadherin, an important adherens junction component and tight junction regulator, is known to exhibit downregulation in BPH. These observations suggest that the prostate epithelial barrier is disrupted in BPH and E-cadherin downregulation may increase epithelial barrier permeability.

Methods

The ultra-structure of cellular junctions in BPH specimens was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and E-cadherin immunostaining analysis

SUBMITTER: Li F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6599563 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature