Variations in activin receptor, inhibin/activin subunit and follistatin mRNAs in human prostate tumour tissues
2000
Activin and Prostate Cancer
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Schaik R H N van, Wierikx C D J, Timmerman M A, Oomen M H, Weerden W M van, Kwast T H van der, Steenbrugge G J van, Jong F H de
Primary Institution: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Hypothesis
The study investigates the role of activin in regulating malignant prostatic growth.
Conclusion
Prostate tumor progression is linked to a decrease in the inhibitory effect of locally produced activin.
Supporting Evidence
- Activin receptor types IA, IB, IIA, and IIB mRNAs were expressed in prostate epithelial cells.
- ActRIB mRNA levels were significantly lower in prostate tumor material compared to non-malignant tissue.
- Androgen-independent xenografts had lower βB-subunit mRNA compared to androgen-dependent xenografts.
- Inhibin α-subunit mRNA levels were low or undetectable in all samples.
- Follistatin mRNA was undetectable in LNCaP sublines.
Takeaway
This study looks at how a substance called activin affects prostate cancer growth, finding that less activin might mean more cancer growth.
Methodology
RNAase protection assays were used to study mRNA levels in various prostate cancer cell lines and tissues.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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