Isolation and Characterization of Prostate Cancer Stem Cells
Abstract
Human prostate epithelial cells that can develop into "prostaspheres" display characteristics of stem/progenitor cells, including self-renewal and ability to induce prostate tubule formation in vivo. FISH analysis of prostaspheres derived from patient specimens containing the TMPRSS-ERG translocation, however, are not preserved in sphere-forming cells. In order to evaluate whether prostate cancer stem cells containing the TMPRSS-ERG translocation can be isolated, we have proposed a series of experiments to isolate tumor cells for characterization and in vivo expansion. Previously, we have found that although cancer cells can be isolated from tumor tissue, preservation of these cells in vitro and generation of xenografts is rare. In order to optimize retrieval of tumor cells and support tumor regeneration in vivo, we have implemented multiple strategies, including optimization of tissue processing to single cells, cell fractionation, and refinement of the microenvironment. This has enabled successful enrichment of TMPRSS-ERG+ tumor fractions and may lead to further identification of tumor-initiating cells present in primary prostate tumors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA582187
Entities
People
- Isla P Garraway
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles