EGFR signaling pathway negatively regulates PSA expression and secretion via the PI3K-Akt pathway in LNCaP prostate cancer cells

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2006 Mar 31;342(1):92-100. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.01.106. Epub 2006 Feb 2.

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) are involved in hormone-refractory growth and poor prognosis of a subgroup of human prostate cancer. In this communication, we investigated the regulation of PSA by the EGFR signaling pathway using LNCaP C-81 prostate cancer cells. Administration of EGF stimulated the growth of LNCaP C-81 cells, however, PSA expression and secretion were suppressed. An EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, abrogated the PSA suppression effect by EGF, in concurrence with the suppression of tyro-phosphorylation levels of EGFR. Interestingly, the AR level was also decreased in EGF-treated LNCaP C-81 cells. Moreover, LY294002, but not PD98059, inhibited the PSA and AR suppression effect by EGF in concurrence with the suppression of phosphorylation levels of Akt. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest the existence of a novel androgen-independent PSA regulatory mechanism, i.e., the EGFR signaling pathway negatively regulates PSA expression which may be induced by the alteration of AR expression via the PI3K-Akt pathway in LNCaP C-81 cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Androgens / pharmacology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromones / pharmacology
  • Down-Regulation
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / pharmacology
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Morpholines / pharmacology
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Organic Chemicals / pharmacology
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects

Substances

  • Androgens
  • Chromones
  • Morpholines
  • Organic Chemicals
  • PD 98058
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • 2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen