Research progress of m6A methylation in prostate cancer

Potential Common Molecular Mechanisms Between Periodontitis and Prostate Cancer: A Network Analysis of Differentially Expressed miRNAs

BACKGROUND/AIM

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Periodontitis is considered a high-risk factor for prostate cancer, but the genetic mechanism is unclear. This study aims to identify dysregulated miRNAs, their associated genes, signaling pathways, and compounds linking periodontitis to prostate cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The miRNA expression datasets of prostate cancer and periodontitis were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, and common DEmiRNAs (Co-DEmiRNAs) between both datasets were determined. The Co-DEmiRNA-target network structure and functional analyses, including miRNet 2.0, were performed, encompassing Co-DEmiRNA-gene, Co-DEmiRNA-transcription factor (TF), and Co-DEmiRNA-compound networks. Functional enrichment analysis for Co-DEmiRNA genes and Co-DEmiRNA-TF networks was conducted using KEGG, Reactome pathways, and Gene Ontology (GO). Co-up and co-down DEmiRNAs were validated with TCGA miRNA-seq data.

RESULTS

hsa-mir-148a-3p, hsa-mir-148b-5p, and hsa-mir-623 are the top miRNA nodes in Co-DEmiRNA-Target networks. The most significant candidate miRNA dysregulation genes are POU2F1, TMOD3, SCD, PRRC2C, and MAT2A, while the most important dysregulation TF includes TP53, CREB1, DNMT1, E2F1, and EGR1. Arsenic trioxide, gemcitabine, and 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranose are the most correlated compounds. Functional analyses revealed multiple cell signaling pathways, such as NOTCH and CREB phosphorylation, and regulation of processes, such as RNA metabolism and transcription.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests candidate molecular mechanisms linking periodontitis to prostate cancer, highlighting potential compounds targeting both diseases. These findings provide a foundation for guiding future basic and clinical research.

Human intermediate prostate cancer stem cells contribute to the initiation and development of prostate adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Intermediate cells are present in the early stages of human prostate development and adenocarcinoma. While primary cells isolated from benign human prostate tissues or tumors exhibit an intermediate phenotype in vitro, they cannot form tumors in vivo unless genetically modified. It is unclear about the stem cell properties and tumorigenicity of intermediate cells.

METHODS

We developed a customized medium to culture primary human intermediate prostate cells, which were transplanted into male immunodeficient NCG mice to examine tumorigenicity in vivo. We treated the cells with different concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and enzalutamide in vitro and surgically castrated the mice after cell transplantation in vivo. Immunostaining, qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing, and western blotting were performed to characterize the cells in tissues and 2D and 3D cultures.

RESULTS

We found intermediate cells expressing AR+PSA+CK8+CK5+ in the luminal compartment of human prostate adenocarcinoma by immunostaining. We cultured the primary intermediate cells in vitro, which expressed luminal (AR+PSA+CK8+CK18+), basal (CK5+P63+), intermediate (IVL+), and stem cell (CK4+CK13+PSCA+SOX2+) markers. These cells resisted castration in vitro by upregulating the expression of AR, PSA, and proliferation markers KI67 and PCNA. The intermediate cells had high tumorigenicity in vivo, forming tumors in immunodeficient NCG mice in a month without any genetic modification or co-transplantation with embryonic urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGSM) cells. We named these cells human castration-resistant intermediate prostate cancer stem cells or CriPCSCs and defined the xenograft model as patient primary cell-derived xenograft (PrDX). Human CriPCSCs resisted castration in vitro and in vivo by upregulating AR expression. Furthermore, human CriPCSCs differentiated into amplifying adenocarcinoma cells of luminal phenotype in PrDX tumors in vivo, which can dedifferentiate into CriPCSCs in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study identified and established methods for culturing human CriPCSCs, which had high tumorigenicity in vivo without any genetic modification or UGSM co-transplantation. Human CriPCSCs differentiated into amplifying adenocarcinoma cells of luminal phenotype in the fast-growing tumors in vivo, which hold the potential to dedifferentiate into intermediate stem cells. These cells resisted castration by upregulating AR expression. The human CriPCSC and PrDX methods hold significant potential for advancing prostate cancer research and precision medicine.

Role of N6‑methyladenosine in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (Review)

Prostate cancer (PCa) affects males of all racial and ethnic groups, and leads to higher rates of mortality in those belonging to a lower socioeconomic status due to the late detection of the disease. PCa affects middle‑aged males between the ages of 45 and 60 years, and is the highest cause of cancer‑associated mortality in Western countries. As the most abundant and common mRNA modification in higher eukaryotes, N6‑methyladenosine (m6A) is widely distributed in mammalian cells and influences various aspects of mRNA metabolism. Recent studies have found that abnormal expression levels of various m6A regulators significantly affect the development and progression of various types of cancer, including PCa. The present review discusses the influence of m6A regulatory factors on the pathogenesis and progression of PCa through mRNA modification based on the current state of research on m6A methylation modification in PCa. It is considered that the treatment of PCa with micro‑molecular drugs that target the epigenetics of the m6A regulator to correct abnormal m6A modifications is a direction for future research into current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PCa.

Epigenetic Modifications in Prostate Cancer Metastasis and Microenvironment

The gradual evolution of prostate tissue from benign tumor to malignant lesion or distant metastasis is driven by intracellular epigenetic changes and the tumor microenvironment remodeling. With the continuous study of epigenetic modifications, these tumor-driving forces are being discovered and are providing new treatments for cancer. Here we introduce the classification of epigenetic modification and highlight the role of epigenetic modification in tumor remodeling and communication of the tumor microenvironment.