Role of RAC 3 in Prostate Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Gnanapragasam V J, Leung H Y, Pulimood A S, Neal D E, Robson C N
Primary Institution: Prostate Research Group, School of Surgical Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Hypothesis
We investigated the role of RAC 3 in the context of prostate cancer.
Conclusion
RAC 3 is an important co-activator of the androgen receptor in the prostate and may play a significant role in the progression of prostate cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- RAC 3 protein levels varied in prostate cancer cell lines, with highest expression in AR-positive LNCaP cells.
- Immuno-precipitation studies showed that endogenous RAC 3 interacted with the androgen receptor in vivo.
- In clinical prostate tissue, strong RAC 3 mRNA expression was found.
- In benign tissue, RAC 3 protein was predominantly expressed in luminal cells.
- In primary malignant epithelium, RAC 3 protein was more homogeneously expressed.
- RAC 3 expression levels correlated significantly with tumour grade and stage of disease.
- Moderate or high RAC 3 expression was associated with poorer disease-specific survival.
Takeaway
RAC 3 helps a protein called the androgen receptor work better in prostate cancer, and higher levels of RAC 3 are linked to worse outcomes for patients.
Methodology
The study involved immuno-precipitation, transfection assays, and analysis of clinical prostate tissue samples.
Participant Demographics
The study included 37 patients with prostate cancer.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.01; P = 0.03
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website