1
|
Chakrabarty B, Lee S, Exintaris B. Generation and Regulation of Spontaneous Contractions in the Prostate. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1124:195-215. [PMID: 31183828 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-5895-1_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous myogenic contractions have been shown to be significantly upregulated in prostate tissue collected from men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an extremely common disorder of the ageing male. Although originally thought likely to be involved in 'housekeeping' functions, mixing prostatic secretions to prevent stagnation, these spontaneous myogenic contractions provide a novel opportunity to understand and treat BPH. This treatment potential differs from previous models, which focused exclusively on attenuating nerve-mediated neurogenic contractions. Previous studies in the rodent prostate have provided an insight into the mechanisms underlying the regulation of myogenic contractions. 'Prostatic Interstitial Cells' (PICs) within the prostate appear to generate pacemaker potentials, which arise from the summation of number of spontaneous transient depolarisations triggered by the spontaneous release of Ca2+ from internal stores and the opening of Ca2+-activated Cl- channels. Pacemaker potentials then conduct into neighbouring smooth muscle cells to generate spontaneous slow waves. These slow waves trigger the firing of 'spike-like' action potentials, Ca2+ entry and contraction, which are not attenuated by blockers of neurotransmission. However, these spontaneous prostatic contractions can be modulated by the autonomic nervous system. Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying rodent and human prostate myogenic contractions and the actions of existing and novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment of BPH. Understanding the generation of human prostatic smooth muscle tone will confirm the mechanism of action of existing drugs, inform the identification and effectiveness of new pharmacotherapies, as well as predict patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basu Chakrabarty
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sophie Lee
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
The prostate is a gland whose secretions contribute to the seminal fluids ejaculated upon
activation of autonomic sympathetic nerves. In elder males, the prostate undergoes an
increase in stroma mass and myogenic tone, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia that
occludes the proximal urethra and the presentation of various lower urinary tract symptoms
that decrease their quality of life. This review summarises the role of prostatic
interstitial cells (PICs) in the generation of the spontaneous tone in the prostate. It
presents current knowledge of the role of Ca2+ plays in PIC pacemaking, as well as the
mechanisms by which this spontaneous activity triggers slow wave generation and stromal
contraction. PICs display a small T-type Ca2+ current (ICaT) and a large L-type Ca2+
current (ICaL). In contrast to other interstitial cells in the urinary and
gastrointestinal tracts, spontaneous Ca2+ signalling in PICs is uniquely dependent on Ca2+
influx through ICaL channels. A model of prostatic pacemaking is presented describing how
ICaL can be triggered by an initial membrane depolarization evoked upon the selective
opening of Ca2+-activated Cl– channels by Ca2+ flowing only through ICaT channels. The
resulting current flow through ICaL results in release of Ca2+ from internal stores and
the summation of Cl–-selective spontaneous transient depolarizations (STDs) to form
pacemaker potentials that propagate passively into the prostatic stroma to evoke
regenerative action potentials and excitation-contraction coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Lang
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Hikaru Hashitani
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Boucher J, Monvoisin A, Vix J, Mesnil M, Thuringer D, Debiais F, Cronier L. Connexins, important players in the dissemination of prostate cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:202-215. [PMID: 28693897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 50years, increasing experimental evidences have established that connexins (Cxs) and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) ensure an important role in both the onset and development of cancerous processes. In the present review, we focus on the impact of Cxs and GJIC during the development of prostate cancer (PCa), from the primary growth mainly localized in acinar glands and ducts to the distant metastasis mainly concentrated in bone. As observed in several other types of solid tumours, Cxs and especially Cx43 exhibit an ambivalent role with a tumour suppressor effect in the early stages and, conversely, a rather pro-tumoural profile for most of invasion and dissemination steps to secondary sites. We report here the current knowledge on the function of Cxs during PCa cells migration, cytoskeletal dynamics, proteinases activities and the cross talk with the surrounding stromal cells in the microenvironment of the tumour and the bones. In addition, we discuss the role of Cxs in the bone tropism even if the prostate model is rarely used to study the complete sequence of cancer dissemination compared to breast cancer or melanoma. Even if not yet fully understood, these recent findings on Cxs provide new insights into their molecular mechanisms associated with progression and bone targeted behaviour of PCa. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Boucher
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Arnaud Monvoisin
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Justine Vix
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Department of Rheumatology, C.H.U. la Milétrie, Poitiers, France
| | - Marc Mesnil
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Françoise Debiais
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Department of Rheumatology, C.H.U. la Milétrie, Poitiers, France
| | - Laurent Cronier
- Laboratory Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), ERL7368 - CNRS, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Takeya M, Hashitani H, Hayashi T, Higashi R, Nakamura KI, Takano M. Role of mucosa in generating spontaneous activity in the guinea pig seminal vesicle. J Physiol 2017; 595:4803-4821. [PMID: 28421606 DOI: 10.1113/jp273872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The mucosa may have neuron-like functions as urinary bladder mucosa releases bioactive substances that modulate sensory nerve activity as well as detrusor muscle contractility. However, such mucosal function in other visceral organs remains to be established. The role of mucosa in generating spontaneous contractions in seminal vesicles (SVs), a paired organ in the male reproductive tract, was investigated. The intact mucosa is essential for the generation of spontaneous phasic contractions of SV smooth muscle arising from electrical slow waves and corresponding increases in intracellular Ca2+ . These spontaneous events primarily depend on Ca2+ handling by sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores. A population of mucosal cells developed spontaneous rises in intracellular Ca2+ relying on sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling. The spontaneously active cells in the SV mucosa appear to drive spontaneous activity in smooth muscle either by sending depolarizing signals and/or by releasing humoral substances. ABSTRACT The role of the mucosa in generating the spontaneous activity of guinea-pig seminal vesicle (SV) was explored. Changes in contractility, membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics of SV smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were recorded using isometric tension recording, intracellular microelectrode recording and epi-fluorescence Ca2+ imaging, respectively. Mucosa-intact but not mucosa-denuded SV preparations generated TTX- (1 μm) resistant spontaneous phasic contractions that were abolished by nifedipine (3 μm). Consistently, SMCs developed mucosa-dependent slow waves (SWs) that triggered action potentials and corresponding Ca2+ flashes. Nifedipine (10 μm) abolished the action potentials and spontaneous contractions, while suppressing the SWs and Ca2+ flashes. Both the residual SWs and spontaneous Ca2+ transients were abolished by cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 10 μm), a sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor. DIDS (300 μm) and niflumic acid (100 μm), blockers for Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels (CACCs), or low Cl- solution also slowed or prevented the generation of SWs. In SV mucosal preparations detached from the muscle layer, a population of mucosal cells generated spontaneous Ca2+ transients that were blocked by CPA but not nifedipine. These results suggested that spontaneous contractions and corresponding Ca2+ flashes in SV SMCs arise from action potential generation due to the opening of L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients appear to primarily result from Ca2+ release from sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ stores to activate CACCs to develop SWs. The mucosal cells firing spontaneous Ca2+ transients may play a critical role in driving spontaneous activity of SV smooth muscle either by sending depolarizing signals or by releasing humoral substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsue Takeya
- Division of Integrated Autonomic Function, Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hikaru Hashitani
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tokumasa Hayashi
- Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Higashi
- Electron Microscopic Laboratory, Central Research Unit of Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kei-Ichiro Nakamura
- Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Makoto Takano
- Division of Integrated Autonomic Function, Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sun J, Hoying JB, Deymier PA, Zhang DD, Wong PK. Cellular Architecture Regulates Collective Calcium Signaling and Cell Contractility. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1004955. [PMID: 27196735 PMCID: PMC4873241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A key feature of multicellular systems is the ability of cells to function collectively in response to external stimuli. However, the mechanisms of intercellular cell signaling and their functional implications in diverse vascular structures are poorly understood. Using a combination of computational modeling and plasma lithography micropatterning, we investigate the roles of structural arrangement of endothelial cells in collective calcium signaling and cell contractility. Under histamine stimulation, endothelial cells in self-assembled and microengineered networks, but not individual cells and monolayers, exhibit calcium oscillations. Micropatterning, pharmacological inhibition, and computational modeling reveal that the calcium oscillation depends on the number of neighboring cells coupled via gap junctional intercellular communication, providing a mechanistic basis of the architecture-dependent calcium signaling. Furthermore, the calcium oscillation attenuates the histamine-induced cytoskeletal reorganization and cell contraction, resulting in differential cell responses in an architecture-dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggest that endothelial cells can sense and respond to chemical stimuli according to the vascular architecture via collective calcium signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - James B. Hoying
- Cardiovascular Innovation Institute, University of Louisville & Jewish Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Pierre A. Deymier
- Material Science and Engineering Department, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Donna D. Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lam M, Mitsui R, Hashitani H. Electrical properties of purinergic transmission in smooth muscle of the guinea-pig prostate. Auton Neurosci 2016; 194:8-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
7
|
Shigemasa Y, Lam M, Mitsui R, Hashitani H. Voltage dependence of slow wave frequency in the guinea pig prostate. J Urol 2014; 192:1286-92. [PMID: 24641914 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2014.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Spontaneous phasic contractions of the guinea pig prostate stroma result from the generation of slow waves that appear to primarily rely on spontaneous Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum and subsequent opening of Ca(2+) activated chloride channels. We investigated voltage dependent mechanisms in the regulation of slow wave frequency. MATERIALS AND METHODS Changes in membrane potential were recorded using conventional intracellular recording techniques while simultaneously measuring the isometric tension of guinea pig prostate lobes. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry was done to determine the cellular composition of the prostate stroma. RESULTS Depolarization induced by high K(+) solution, K(+) free solution or outward current injection was associated with increased slow wave frequency. In contrast, hyperpolarization induced by the re-addition of K(+), adenosine triphosphate sensitive K(+) channel openers or inward current injection prevented slow wave generation. K(+) channel openers induced hyperpolarization and the cessation of slow waves was reversed by glibenclamide (10 μM). Nifedipine (1 to 10 μM) shortened the duration of slow waves and pacemaker potentials but often failed to prevent their generation and associated contractions. Subsequently Ni(2+) (100 μM) or mibefradil (1 μM) largely suppressed slow waves and abolished residual contractions. Immunohistochemistry revealed small interconnected smooth muscle bundles as well as vimentin positive interstitial cells but failed to show a network of Kit positive interstitial cells. CONCLUSIONS Prostate slow wave frequency is voltage dependent due to the significant contribution of L-type and T-type Ca(2+) channels. Prostate slow waves may arise from cooperation between spontaneous Ca(2+) release from internal stores and plasmalemmal voltage dependent Ca(2+) channels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Shigemasa
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michelle Lam
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Retsu Mitsui
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hikaru Hashitani
- Department of Cell Physiology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chakrabarty B, Dey A, Lam M, Ventura S, Exintaris B. Tamsulosin modulates, but does not abolish the spontaneous activity in the guinea pig prostate gland. Neurourol Urodyn 2014; 34:482-8. [PMID: 24436088 DOI: 10.1002/nau.22557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the effects of the α1A -adrenoceptor antagonist, tamsulosin, on spontaneous contractile and electrical activity in the guinea-pig prostate gland. METHODS The effects of tamsulosin (0.1 and 0.3 nM) were investigated in adult and ageing male guinea pig prostate glands using conventional tension recording and electrophysiological intracellular microelectrode recording techniques. RESULTS Tamsulosin reduced spontaneous activity, and had different age-dependent effects on adult and ageing guinea pigs at different concentrations. 0.1 nM tamsulosin caused a significantly greater reduction of spontaneous contractile and electrical activity in ageing guinea pigs in comparison to adult guinea pigs. In contrast, 0.3 nM tamsulosin had a significantly greater reduction of spontaneous contractile and electrical activity in adult guinea pigs in comparison to ageing guinea pigs. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that tamsulosin can modulate spontaneous myogenic stromal contractility and the underlying spontaneous electrical activity; tamsulosin does not block spontaneous activity. This reduction in spontaneous activity suggests that downstream cellular mechanisms underlying smooth muscle tone are being targeted, and these may represent novel therapeutic targets to better treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basu Chakrabarty
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Anupa Dey
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Michelle Lam
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Sabatino Ventura
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nomura R, Yanagihara M, Sato H, Matsumoto K, Tashima K, Horie S, Chen S, Fujino H, Ueno K, Murayama T. Bee venom phospholipase A2-induced phasic contractions in mouse rectum: Independent roles of eicosanoid and gap junction proteins and their loss in experimental colitis. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 718:314-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
10
|
Androgen signaling disruption during fetal and postnatal development affects androgen receptor and connexin 43 expression and distribution in adult boar prostate. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:407678. [PMID: 24151599 PMCID: PMC3789303 DOI: 10.1155/2013/407678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
To date, limited knowledge exists regarding the role of the androgen signaling during specific periods of development in the regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and connexin 43 (Cx43) in adult prostate. Therefore, in this study we examined mRNA and protein expression, and tissue distribution of AR and Cx43 in adult boar prostates following fetal (GD20), neonatal (PD2), and prepubertal (PD90) exposure to an antiandrogen flutamide (50 mg/kg bw). In GD20 and PD2 males we found the reduction of the luminal compartment, inflammatory changes, decreased AR and increased Cx43 expression, and altered localization of both proteins. Moreover, enhanced apoptosis and reduced proliferation were detected in the prostates of these animals. In PD90 males the alterations were less evident, except that Cx43 expression was markedly upregulated. The results presented herein indicate that in boar androgen action during early fetal and neonatal periods plays a key role in the maintenance of normal phenotype and functions of prostatic cells at adulthood. Furthermore, we demonstrated that modulation of Cx43 expression in the prostate could serve as a sensitive marker of hormonal disruption during different developmental stages.
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen H, Zhao L, Chu G, Kito G, Yamauchi N, Shigeyoshi Y, Hashimoto S, Hattori MA. FSH induces the development of circadian clockwork in rat granulosa cells via a gap junction protein Cx43-dependent pathway. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 304:E566-75. [PMID: 23299500 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00432.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study was designed to assess the relationship between gap junctions and the maturation of a clock system in rat granulosa cells stimulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Immature and mature granulosa cells were prepared by puncturing the ovaries of diethylstilbestrol- and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG)-treated mouse Period2 (Per2)-dLuc reporter gene transgenic rats, respectively. Mature granulosa cells exposed to dexamethasone (DXM) synchronization displayed several Per2-dLuc oscillations and a rhythmic expression of clock genes. Intriguingly, we observed clear evidence that the FSH stimulation significantly increased the amplitude of Per2 oscillations in the granulosa cells, which was confirmed by the elevation of the Per2 and Rev-erbα (Nr1d1) mRNA levels. FSH also induced a major phase-advance shift of Per2 oscillations. The mature granulosa cells cultured for 2 days with FSH expressed higher mRNA levels of Per2, Rev-erbα, Bmal1 (Arnt1), Lhcgr, and connexin (Cx) 43 (Gja1) compared with the immature granulosa cells. Consistently, our immunofluorescence results revealed abundant Cx43 protein in antral follicles stimulated with eCG and weak or no fluorescence signal of Cx43 in primary and preantral follicles. Similar results were confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Two gap junction blockers, lindane and carbenoxolone (CBX), significantly decreased the amplitude of Per2 oscillations, which further adhered significant decreases in Per2 and Rev-erbα transcript levels. In addition, both lindane and CBX induced a clear phase-delay shift of Per2 oscillations. These findings suggest that FSH induces the development of the clock system by increasing the expression of Cx43.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huatao Chen
- Department of Animal and Marine Bioresource Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Czyż J, Szpak K, Madeja Z. The role of connexins in prostate cancer promotion and progression. Nat Rev Urol 2012; 9:274-82. [PMID: 22349655 DOI: 10.1038/nrurol.2012.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease that is characterized by a presumably long latency period and a moderate propensity to metastasize. Although a range of mechanisms have been implicated in prostate carcinogenesis, the factors determining the initiation of metastasis remain obscure. The synchronized function of prostate cells depends on their metabolic and electrical coupling; disturbance of these functions has long been suggested to be integral to prostate carcinogenesis. However, although connexins form intercellular channels involved in gap-junction-mediated intercellular coupling (GJIC), whether these proteins also have GJIC-independent roles in cancer progression and metastasis remains a matter of debate. Some data indicate a correlation between connexin expression and the invasive potential of prostate cancer cells, which points to stage-specific functions of connexins during prostate cancer development. For example, restoration of connexin expression seems to be crucial for the formation of invasive cell subsets within heterogeneous prostate cancer cell populations that have undergone aberrant differentiation. Consequently, the clinical application of therapeutic and prophylactic approaches focused on the modulation of connexin expression in prostate cancer cells should be reconsidered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|