Transforming growth factor-beta 3 is expressed in nondividing basal epithelial cells in normal human prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia, and is no longer detectable in prostate carcinoma

Prostate. 1997 May 1;31(2):103-9. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0045(19970501)31:2<103::aid-pros5>3.0.co;2-o.

Abstract

Background: We investigated the role of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family in the neoplastic progression of the human prostate.

Methods: Expression of TGF-beta mRNA was measured by Northern blot analysis of tissue extracts, and TGF-beta protein by immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections. Proliferating cells were detected by their expression of Ki-67 antigen.

Results: The level of TGF-beta 1 mRNA was equal among normal prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate carcinoma. TGF-beta 2 mRNA was not detectable, and TGF-beta 3 mRNA was expressed 20-fold lesion in carcinoma compared to BPH and normal prostate. TGF-beta 1 protein was expressed in the stromal cells in all three tissues and TGF-beta 3 protein in the basal layer of epithelial cells, but not in carcinoma. Proliferating epithelial cells fail to express TGF-beta 3.

Conclusions: TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 3 are independently regulated, and carcinoma of the prostate is characterized by the loss of basal epithelial cells expressing TGF-beta 3.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cell Division
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prostate / chemistry*
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / analysis*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta