Serum bound forms of PSP94 (prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids) in prostate cancer patients

Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) binds to prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) in human seminal plasma

Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) is one of the major proteins present in the human seminal plasma. Though several functions have been predicted for this protein, its exact role either in sperm function or in prostate pathophysiology has not been clearly defined. Attempts to understand the mechanism of action of PSP94 has led to the search for its probable binding partners. This has resulted in the identification of PSP94 binding proteins in plasma and seminal plasma from human. During the chromatographic separation step of proteins from human seminal plasma by reversed phase HPLC, we had observed that in addition to the main fraction of PSP94, other fractions containing higher molecular weight proteins also showed the presence of detectable amounts of PSP94. This prompted us to hypothesize that PSP94 could be present in the seminal plasma complexed with other protein/s of higher molecular weight. One such fraction containing a major protein of ~47 kDa, on characterization by mass spectrometric analysis, was identified to be Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP). The ability of PAP present in this fraction to bind to PSP94 was demonstrated by affinity chromatography. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the presence of PSP94-PAP complex both in the fraction studied and in the fresh seminal plasma. In silico molecular modeling of the PSP94-PAP complex suggests that β-strands 1 and 6 of PSP94 appear to interact with domain 2 of PAP, while β-strands 7 and 10 with domain 1 of PAP. This is the first report which suggests that PSP94 can bind to PAP and the PAP-bound PSP94 is present in human seminal plasma.

Effect of androgen deprivation therapy on the expression of prostate cancer biomarkers MSMB and MSMB-binding protein CRISP3

We have investigated the effects of short-term neoadjuvant and long-term androgen deprivation therapies (ADTs) on β-microseminoprotein (MSMB) and cysteine-rich secretory protein-3 (CRISP3) expression in prostate cancer patients. We also studied if MSMB expression was related to genotype and epigenetic silencing. Using an Affymetrix cDNA microarray analysis, we investigated the expression of MSMB, CRISP3, androgen receptor (AR), KLK3 and Enhancer of Zeste Homologue-2 (EZH2) in tissue from prostate cancer patients receiving (n=17) or not receiving (n=23) ADT before radical prostatectomy. MSMB, CRISP3 and AR were studied in tissue from the same patients undergoing TURP before and during ADT (n=16). MSMB genotyping of these patients was performed by TaqMan PCR. MSMB and KLK3 expression levels decreased during ADT. Expression levels of AR and CRISP3 were not affected by short-term ADT but were high in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and metastases. Levels of EZH2 were also high in metastases, where MSMB was low. Genotyping of the MSMB rs10993994 polymorphism showed that the TT genotype conveys poor MSMB expression. MSMB expression is influenced by androgens, but also by genotype and epigenetic silencing. AR and CRISP3 expression are not influenced by short-term ADT, and high levels were found in CRPC and metastases.

The potential value of microseminoprotein-beta as a prostate cancer biomarker and therapeutic target

BACKGROUND

Recent genome-wide association studies have shown an association of a SNP two base pairs upstream of the 5' UTR of the microseminoprotein-beta (MSMB) gene with an increased risk of developing the prostate cancer, re-igniting interest in its protein product, MSMB.

METHODS

As one of the most abundant prostatic proteins, MSMB can be reliably detected in tissue and serum.

RESULTS

It has been consistently shown that MSMB expression is high in normal and benign prostate tissue and lowered or lost in prostate cancer suggesting that it might be a useful tissue biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and its levels in serum may be useful as a marker for prognosis. Members of the cysteine-rich secretory protein family and laminin receptors have been shown to bind MSMB at the cell surface and in serum thereby regulating apoptosis. Thus, in the benign prostate, MSMB regulates cell growth, but when MSMB is lost during tumourigenesis, cells are able to grow in a more uncontrolled manner. Both full length MSMB and a short peptide comprised of amino acids 31-45 have been tested for potential therapeutic benefit in mouse models and humans.

CONCLUSIONS

MSMB has potential as a biomarker of prostate cancer development, progression and recurrence and potentially as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Molecular biomarkers in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

After more than two decades of clinical use, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has increased the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, detecting the disease even when small volumes are present. Although stage migration of prostate cancer has occurred, PSA has well-known limitations, despite attempts at refinement and modification, such as the use of PSA velocity, which have been used to improve it. New biomarkers for prostate cancer have been discovered, with promising early results.

OBJECTIVE/METHODS

This article reviews the ubiquitous current literature on biomarkers in prostate cancer. A search using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed and those articles reporting biomarkers in prostate cancer with clinically significant findings in terms of detection were analyzed. Immunohistochemical markers were not considered for this review.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Despite many markers being promising, no single marker has satisfied the criteria as a perfect candidate. Limited clinical use of IL-6, TGF-β1 and PCA3 has commenced, and further widespread availability of these tests is expected in the coming years. The future lies in artificial neural networks and panels of markers instead of individual assays. Although PSA has some well-known limitations, it is at present the best marker available for prostate cancer when used in conjunction with nomograms or risk calculators.

Prognostic value of prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids and its binding protein after radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE

To establish the prognostic value of total and free prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94) and the PSP94-binding protein (PSPBP) following radical prostatectomy.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

One hundred and eighty-five serum samples were obtained from patients with localized prostate cancer prior to treatment with radical prostatectomy at Virginia Urology (Richmond, VA). Patients were followed up for a median of 48 months (range, 1-66 months) and biochemical relapse was indicated as total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) levels increasing to > 0.1 ng/mL. The available clinical variables included initial tPSA, Gleason score, surgical margin status, and clinical stage. Total PSP94, free PSP94, and the PSPBP were quantified in the pretreatment serum using new ELISA tests (Medicorp, Inc. and Ambrilia Biopharma, Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the ability of PSP94 and PSPBP to predict time to recurrence.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients had biochemical recurrence. Gleason score, margin status, clinical stage, and initial tPSA significantly predicted recurrence risk (all P < 0.001). In addition, PSPBP was negatively associated with recurrence risk (P = 0.005), and, consistent with previous studies, the bound/free PSP94 ratio was positively associated with recurrence risk (P = 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed that PSPBP, as well as the bound/free PSP94 ratio, were independent predictors of biochemical relapse risk adjusting for tPSA, Gleason score, and margin status.

CONCLUSIONS

Bound/free PSP94 and PSPBP are novel and independent prognostic markers following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer.

Rat PSP94 inhibits the growth and viability of the rat adenocarcinoma cell line PAIII in vitro

Previous studies have shown that human PSP94 can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. To further validate this potential and investigate the protein within a homologous setting, we examined the effects of rat PSP94 on the growth of the rat prostate adenocarcinoma cell line PAIII in vitro. To generate rat PSP94, we used both a plasmid-based expression system and a recombinant rat PSP molecule. Rat PSP was shown to inhibit the growth and survival of PAIII cells in a dose-dependent manner with > 90 percent reductions in both observed. TUNEL and Annexin-V assays confirmed PAIII cell death to be via apoptosis.

Establishment of a serum tumor marker for preclinical trials of mouse prostate cancer models

Current prostate cancer research in both basic and preclinical trial studies employ genetically engineered mouse models. However, unlike in human prostate cancer patients, rodents have no counterpart of prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) for monitoring prostate cancer initiation and progression. In this study, we established a mouse serum tumor marker from a mouse homologue of human prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94). Immunohistochemistry studies on different histologic grades from both transgenic and knock-in mouse prostate cancer models showed the down-regulation of tissue PSP94 expression (P < 0.001), the same as for PSA and PSP94 in humans. The presence of mouse serum PSP94 was shown by affinity column and immunoprecipitation purification using a polyclonal mouse PSP94 antibody. A competitive ELISA protocol was established to quantify serum PSP94 levels with a sensitivity of 1 ng/mL. Quantified serum levels of mouse PSP94 ranged from 49.84 ng/mL in wild-type mice to 113.86, 400.45, and 930.90 ng/mL in mouse prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia with microinvasion, well differentiated, moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated prostate cancer genetically engineered prostate cancer mice, respectively (P < 0.01, n = 68). This increase in serum PSP94 is also well correlated with age and tumor weight. Through longitudinal monitoring of serum PSP94 levels of castrated mice (androgen ablation therapy), we found a correlation between responsiveness/refractory prostate tissues and serum PSP94 levels. The utility of mouse serum PSP94 as a marker in hormone therapy was further confirmed by three-dimensional ultrasound imaging. The establishment of the first rodent prostate cancer serum biomarker will greatly facilitate both basic and preclinical research on human prostate cancer.

A Novel Serum Marker, Total Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 Amino Acids, Improves Prostate Cancer Detection and Helps Identify High Grade Cancers at Diagnosis

PURPOSE

New biomarkers for prostate cancer are needed. We determined whether a novel serum marker, total PSP94 can be used to accomplish these goals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a case-control study of 1,212 men with no previous history of prostate cancer and who underwent a prostate biopsy from 1998 to 2000 because of an increased PSA or an abnormal DRE. Serum PSP94 levels were assessed using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Cases were patients with prostate cancer, and controls were patients who had no evidence of cancer. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether or not PSP94 levels improved the predictive value for prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Of the 1,212 men 596 (49.2%) had cancer detected. The median PSP94 level was significantly lower among cases (2.60 ng/ml) than among controls (3.40 ng/ml, p <0.0001). The adjusted odds ratios for the presence of prostate cancer for patients with the lowest quartile of PSP94, compared to patients in the highest quartile was 2.70 (95% CI 1.8 - 4.0, p <0.0001). Among a subgroup of 649 men in whom PSA had a low predictive value (PSA less than 20 ng/ml, normal DRE and less than 70 years), 260 (40.1%) were found to have cancer. In this subgroup total PSP94 levels helped discriminate between patients with high grade disease (Gleason score 8 or more, median 1.90 ng/ml), moderate grade disease (Gleason score 7, median 2.34 ng/ml) and low grade disease (Gleason score 6 or less, median 2.60 ng/ml, p = 0.007). PSA and the FTPSA were not able to distinguish between patients with different grades in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with low total PSP94 levels had a high probability for having prostate cancer detected at biopsy. The total PSP94 level was able to help identify patients with high grade disease among a subset of patients in whom PSA and FTPSA are least informative.

Identification, purification and characterization of a novel human blood protein with binding affinity for prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids

PSP94 (prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids), an abundant protein within semen, has reported local functions within the reproductive tract and reported systemic functions. Mechanisms of action remain poorly understood, but binding to undefined molecules within the prostate, pituitary, testis and blood may initiate some of these actions. PSP94 serum measurements, especially of bound and free forms, have potential clinical utility in prostate cancer management. Identification of the binding molecules will help in the understanding of PSP94's action, and enable further development of PSP94 serum assays. PSPBP (PSP94-binding protein) was purified from human serum by ammonium sulphate fractionation, ion-exchange and affinity chromatography. The glycosylated protein ran as two bands on SDS/PAGE (70 and 95 kDa). N-terminal sequencing yielded a 30-amino-acid sequence, identical with the translated N-terminal region of a previously published cDNA (GenBank accession number AX136261). Reverse transcriptase PCR and plaque hybridization demonstrated PSPBP mRNA in peripheral blood leucocytes and in a prostate cDNA library. Northern blotting showed 2 kb mRNA species in prostate, testis, ovary and intestine. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated PSPBP in tissues, including pituitary and Leydig cells, supporting a role for PSP94 in hormonal control at the pituitary gonadal axis. ELISA demonstrated that PSPBP levels were significantly lower (P=0.0014) in the serum of a prostate cancer population (n=65) compared with a control population (n=70). PSPBP identification will help the understanding of PSP94's functions and facilitate ELISA development to address the clinical value of PSP94 serum assays.

Expression study of three secretory proteins (prostatic secretory protein of 94 amino acids, probasin, and seminal vesicle secretion II) in dysplastic and neoplastic rat prostates

BACKGROUND

Prostatic secretory protein of 94 amino acids (PSP94), probasin, and seminal vesicle secretion II (SVSII) are the three major proteins secreted by the lateral lobe of the rat prostate gland. Among these proteins, rodent PSP94 but not probasin and SVSII has a human homologue and it is also a major secretory protein of the human prostate, in addition to prostatic acid phosphatase and prostate-specific antigen.

METHODS

In this study, we examined and compared the mRNA expression of these three secretory markers in three rat models of prostate cancer including the sex steroid-induced dysplasia (prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or PIN) in Noble (Nb) rat model, an androgen-independent Nb rat prostatic tumor (AIT) and Dunning rat prostatic adenocarcinomas (both androgen-dependent and -independent) by in situ hybridization (ISH), reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The transcripts for the three markers were highly expressed in the secretory epithelium of normal lateral prostate (LP). Their hybridization signals became reduced in the epithelial cells in the low-grade PINs and significantly weakened or lost in the high-grade PINs induced in the LP. Interestingly, we observed that some dysplastic cells located at the basal compartment of the PIN lesions, and nests of outpouching epithelial cells in the vicinity of PINs, expressed positive hybridization signals of three markers. In the adenocarcinoma, signals of probasin but not PSP94 and SVSII were detected. No hybridization signals were detected in both Dunning and AIT tumors. By RT-PCR, transcripts for these proteins were still detected but significantly reduced in the Dunning tumors, whereas in the AIT tumor, only SVSII transcripts were detected. Immunohistochemistry of PSP94 also showed a reduced staining in the PIN lesions, but no immunoreactivity was seen in the rat prostatic tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The mRNA expression of the three prostatic secretory markers were decreased in the hormone-induced PINs and in two rat prostatic tumors, indicating that the androgen-regulated secretory differentiation was impaired during the development of the premalignant lesion and further reduced in advanced tumors. The abnormal expression pattern of these secretory markers and androgen receptor (AR) in the basal compartment of the PIN lesions suggests that there is a population of cell types with secretory phenotype appearing in the basal cell layer during the early malignant transformation of the prostatic epithelium.

Prostate targeting: PSP94 gene promoter/enhancer region directed prostate tissue-specific expression in a transgenic mouse prostate cancer model

To date, only a few prostate-specific vector genes have been tested for prostate targeting in gene therapy of prostate cancer (CaP). Current clinical trials of gene therapy of CaP utilize the only two available vector genes with a combination of a rat probasin promoter and a human PSA promoter sequence in an adenovirus vector to target CaP. There is an urgent need to establish additional vector gene systems to sustain and propagate the current research. Since PSP94 (prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids) is one of the three most abundant proteins secreted from the human prostate and is generally considered to be prostate tissue-specific in both human and rodents, we performed a transgenic experiment to assess the promoter/enhancer region of PSP94 gene-directed prostate targeting. Firstly, a series of progressive deletion mutants of a 3.84 kb PSP94 gene promoter/enhancer region (including parts of the intron 1 sequence) linked with a reporter LacZ gene was constructed and assessed in vitro in cell culture. Next, transgenic mice were generated with two transgene constructs using the SV40 early region (Tag oncogene) as a selection marker. PSP94 gene promoter/enhancer region-directed SV40 Tag expression specifically in the mouse was demonstrated in three breeding lines (A, B, C, n = 374) by immunohistochemistry staining of Tag expression. Specific targeting to the prostate in the PSP94 gene-directed transgenic CaP model was characterized histologically by correlation of SV40 Tag-induced tumorigenesis (tumor grading) with puberty and age (10-32 weeks). Prostatic hyperplasia was observed as early as 10 weeks of age, with subsequent emergence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and eventually high grade carcinoma in the prostate. The PSP94 transgenic mouse CaP model was further characterized by its tumor progression and metastatic tendency at 20 weeks of age and also by its responsiveness and refractoriness to androgen manipulation. This study indicates that the PSP94 gene promoter/enhancer has the potential for prostate specific targeting and may ultimately be of use in gene therapy of CaP.