Do Prostate Cancer Exosomes Generate a Field Effect Leading to Tumor Multifocality
Abstract
Prostate field effect (or field cancerization) denotes the presence of molecular aberrations featured in structurally intact cells of histologically normal tissues adjacent to adenocarcinomas, in many cases as distant as centimeters from the tumor margin. The presence of a field effect is causatively associated with the occurrence of tumor multifocality in the prostate, but a notable gap of knowledge is the lack of understanding of how multifocal fields of molecular aberrations in histologically normal tissues adjacent to tumors form. In this project, we have proposed a novel line of investigation that hypothesizes the implication pf tumor-derived exosomes in the formation of field effect and tumor multifocality. Exosomes are extracellular microvesicles secreted by cells for the purpose of inter-cell and inter-tissue communication. Their biological function lends itself for a potential involvement in the formation of pre-malignant fields, especially when they are secreted by pre-existing cancer cells into neighboring tissues with histologically normal architecture. We pursued two Specific Aims to test our hypothesis: (i) To test the cellular and molecular effect of prostate cancer exosomes on non-cancerous cells, and (ii) to determine the association between markers of field effect and markers of exosomes in tissues adjacent to adenocarcinomas. Support from the DOD for this project has allowed us to: (i) Establish the isolation and biochemical characterization of exosomes from prostate cells cancer; (ii) determine the effects of tumor-derived exosomes on normal prostate epithelial cells; (iii) determine the correlation between a marker of exosomes (CD9) and at least one marker of field effect (EGR-1); (iv) complete a manuscript and publish it, as well as prepare a second manuscript which is close to submission; and (v) build strategically meaningful alliances with researchers at neighboring institutions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1058764
Entities
People
- Marco Bisoffi
Organizations
- Chapman University