Epithelial cell differentiation in the human prostate epithelium: implications for the pathogenesis and therapy of prostate cancer.

Abstract

Within the human prostate epithelium four cell populations are discriminated by their expression of keratins (K). While basal cells co-localize K5 and K14 combined with low levels of K18 (K5(++)/14(++)/18(+)), luminal cells highly express K18 (K18(++)). In addition, two intermediate subpopulations are characterized either by basal K5(++)/18(+)- or luminal K5(+)/18(++)- expression. The entire prostate epithelium is putatively derived from a basal stem cell population. They give rise to intermediate cells that transiently proliferate and mature towards differentiated luminal epithelium. Within prostate carcinoma luminal exocrine, neuro-endocrine and intermediate cells are distinguished. Intermediate cells have been postulated as progenitors for prostate carcinogenesis and targets for androgen-independent tumor progression. Androgen-independency is associated with an enrichment of intermediate cells and over-expression of peptide growth factor receptors. Targeting intermediate cells by inhibition of their peptide growth factor receptors, therefore, offers novel treatment modalities for prostate cancer.

• Authors: Geert J L H van Leenders, Jack A Schalken
• Journal: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology (Crit Rev Oncol Hematol) Vol. 46 Suppl Pg. S3-10 (Jun 27 2003) ISSN: 1040-8428 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 12850522 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Animals
• Cell Differentiation (physiology)
• Epithelial Cells (physiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Prostate (cytology, physiology)
• Prostatic Neoplasms (physiopathology, therapy)