GRP78 up-regulation is associated with androgen receptor status, Hsp70-Hsp90 client proteins and castrate-resistant prostate cance

Tan, S.S., Ahmad, I. , Bennett, H.L., Singh, L., Nixon, C., Seywright, M., Barnetson, R.J., Edwards, J. and Leung, H. (2011) GRP78 up-regulation is associated with androgen receptor status, Hsp70-Hsp90 client proteins and castrate-resistant prostate cance. Journal of Pathology, 223(1), pp. 81-87. (doi: 10.1002/path.2795) (PMID:21125667)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

GRP78/BiP is a key member of the molecular chaperone heat shock protein (Hsp) 70 family. It has a critical role in prostate cancer (PC) including Pten loss-driven carcinogenesis, but the molecular basis of this remains unclear. We investigated the effect of GRP78 and its putative client proteins, including androgen receptor (AR) in clinical PC. Expression of GRP78 and key Hsp70–hsp90 client proteins (HER2, HER3, AR and AKT) were studied in an incidence tissue microarray (TMA) of prostate cancer. The relationship of GRP78 and AR was further tested in in vitro cell models (LNCaP and its derived LNCaP-CR subclone) and a matched TMA of hormone-naïve (HNPC) and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In vitro and in vivo expression of GRP78 and client proteins were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively, using the weighted histoscore method. Significant co-expression of GRP78, pAKT, HER2, HER3 and AR was observed in PC. Abnormal AR, GRP78 and pAKT expression have significant impact on patient survival. GRP78 expression in AR+ tumours was significantly higher than in AR− tumours. In keeping with our clinical data, activation of AR by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) potently activated GRP78 expression in both LNCaP and LNCaP-CR cells. For the first time, using a matched HNPC and CRPC TMA, enhanced cytoplasmic and membranous GRP78 expression was observed in CRPC. Future prospective studies are therefore warranted to validate GRP78 as prognostic marker and therapeutic target, in the context of the AR and pAKT status. In summary, GRP78 is co-expressed with Hsp70–hsp90 client proteins. Up-regulated expression of AR and GRP78 expression in untreated prostate cancer predicts a less favourable outcome. This points to the importance of understanding in the molecular interaction among AR, GRP78 and AKT.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Abstracts of the 6th Joint Meeting of the British Division of the International Academy of Pathology and the Pathological Society of Great Britain & Ireland, 10-13 May 2011.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ahmad, Professor Imran and Leung, Professor Hing and Nixon, Mr Colin and Singh, Mr Lukram
Authors: Tan, S.S., Ahmad, I., Bennett, H.L., Singh, L., Nixon, C., Seywright, M., Barnetson, R.J., Edwards, J., and Leung, H.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:Journal of Pathology
ISSN:0022-3417
Published Online:28 October 2010

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