NKX3.1 In Prostate Cancer.
Abstract
We have isolated a prostate-specific gene, NKX3.1, that maps to chromosome 8p21, a common region for loss of heterozygosity in human prostate cancer. NKX3.1 is a homeobox gene that is expressed at high levels in adult human prostate. Deletion of NKX3.1 in the mouse has suggested that NKX3.1 has a suppressor effect on pro static epithelial cell growth, and that haploinsufficiency is sufficient to produce epithelial hyperplasia. Inconsistent with the interpretation that NKX3.1 is a classical tumor suppressor gene, the coding region of NKX3.1 is not mutated in human prostate cancer. This is the first annual report of a project that seeks to determine the significance of NKX3.1 in prostate cancer. We have shown that a genetic polymorphism that changes DNA-binding properties of the NKX3.1 protein is present in approximately 10% of the human population and is not strongly associated with prostate cancer risk. We continue to investigate whether the R52C NKX3.l polymorphism influences the development of prostatic hyperplasia. We have derived a specific antibody to human NKX3.1 and are investigating control of expression of NKX3.1 in human prostate cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA376365
Entities
People
- Edward P. Gelmann
Organizations
- Georgetown University