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A potential novel marker for human prostate cancer: voltage-gated sodium channel expression in vivo

Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases volume 8, pages 266–273 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

Functional expression of voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunits (VGSCαs), specifically Nav1.7, is associated with strong metastatic potential in prostate cancer (CaP) in vitro. Furthermore, VGSC activity in vitro directly potentiates processes integral to metastasis. To investigate VGSCα expression in CaP in vivo, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were performed on human prostate biopsies (n>20). VGSCα immunostaining was evident in prostatic tissues and markedly stronger in CaP vs non-CaP patients. Importantly, RT-PCRs identified Nav1.7 as the VGSCα most strikingly upregulated (∼20-fold) in CaP, and the resultant receiver-operating characteristics curve demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy for the disease. It is concluded that VGSCα expression increases significantly in CaP in vivo and that Nav1.7 is a potential functional diagnostic marker.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by PCaSO (Prostate Cancer Network) and the Pro-Cancer Research Fund (PCRF). We thank Dr Graham Wilkin for use of OPTIMAS 5.2 image analysis system and Professor Norman Maitland (supported by Yorkshire Cancer Research) for the PNT2-C2 cell line.

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Author notes

  1. J K J Diss and D Stewart: These two authors contributed equally to the present study and are listed alphabetically.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK

    J K J Diss, D Stewart, F Pani & M B A Djamgoz

  2. Medical Molecular Biology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, Guilford Street, London, UK

    J K J Diss

  3. Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Duncan Building, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

    C S Foster

  4. Department of Histopathology, Imperial College School of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Norfolk Place, London, UK

    M M Walker

  5. Department of Urology, St Mary's Hospital at Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK

    A Patel

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  1. J K J Diss
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  7. M B A Djamgoz
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Correspondence to M B A Djamgoz.

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Diss, J., Stewart, D., Pani, F. et al. A potential novel marker for human prostate cancer: voltage-gated sodium channel expression in vivo. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis 8, 266–273 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.pcan.4500796

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