Similar expression to FGF (Sef) inhibits fibroblast growth factor-induced tumourigenic behaviour in prostate cancer cells and is downregulated in aggressive clinical disease

Darby, S., Murphy, T., Thomas, H., Robson, C.N., Leung, H.Y. , Mathers, M.E. and Gnanapragasam, V.J. (2009) Similar expression to FGF (Sef) inhibits fibroblast growth factor-induced tumourigenic behaviour in prostate cancer cells and is downregulated in aggressive clinical disease. British Journal of Cancer, 101(11), pp. 1891-1899. (doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605379)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6605379

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) axis is an important mitogenic stimulus in prostate carcinogenesis. We have previously reported that transcript level of human similar expression to FGF (hSef), a key regulator of this pathway, is downregulated in clinical prostate cancer. In this study we further analysed the role of hSef in prostate cancer. METHODS: hSef function was studied in in vitro and in vivo prostate cancer models using stable over-expression clones. Protein expression of hSef was studied in a comprehensive tissue microarray. RESULTS: Stable over-expression of hSef resulted in reduced in vitro cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasive potential. In an in vivo xenograft model, the expression of hSef significantly retarded prostate tumour growth as compared with empty vector (P = 0.03) and non-transfected (P = 0.0001) controls. Histological examination further showed a less invasive tumour phenotype and reduced numbers of proliferating cells (P = 0.0002). In signalling studies, hSef inhibited FGF-induced ERK phosphorylation, migration to the nucleus and activation of a reporter gene. Constitutively active Ras, however, was able to reverse these effects, suggesting that hSef exerts an effect either above or at the level of Ras in prostate cancer cells. In a large tissue microarray, we observed a significant loss of hSef protein in high-grade (P<0.0001) and metastatic (P<0.0001) prostate cancer. CONCLUSION: Considered together, the role of hSef in attenuating FGF signalling and evidence of downregulation in advanced tumours argue strongly for a tumour suppressor function in human prostate cancer.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Leung, Professor Hing
Authors: Darby, S., Murphy, T., Thomas, H., Robson, C.N., Leung, H.Y., Mathers, M.E., and Gnanapragasam, V.J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:British Journal of Cancer
ISSN:0007-0920

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record