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Human prostate sphere‐forming cells represent a subset of basal epithelial cells capable of glandular regeneration in vivo
Author(s) -
Garraway Isla P.,
Sun Wenyi,
Tran Chau P.,
Perner Sven,
Zhang Bao,
Goldstein Andrew S.,
Hahm Scott A.,
Haider Maahum,
Head Christian S.,
Reiter Robert E.,
Rubin Mark A.,
Witte Owen N.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the prostate
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.295
H-Index - 123
eISSN - 1097-0045
pISSN - 0270-4137
DOI - 10.1002/pros.21083
Subject(s) - prostate , biology , progenitor cell , stem cell , pathology , regeneration (biology) , mesenchyme , cancer research , microbiology and biotechnology , mesenchymal stem cell , medicine , cancer , genetics
BACKGROUND Prostate stem/progenitor cells function in glandular development and maintenance. They may be targets for tumor initiation, so characterization of these cells may have therapeutic implications. Cells from dissociated tissues that form spheres in vitro often represent stem/progenitor cells. A subset of human prostate cells that form prostaspheres were evaluated for self‐renewal and tissue regeneration capability in the present study. METHODS Prostaspheres were generated from 59 prostatectomy specimens. Lineage marker expression and TMPRSS‐ERG status was determined via immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Subpopulations of prostate epithelial cells were isolated by cell sorting and interrogated for sphere‐forming activity. Tissue regeneration potential was assessed by combining sphere‐forming cells with rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme (rUGSM) subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice. RESULTS Prostate tissue specimens were heterogeneous, containing both benign and malignant (Gleason 3–5) glands. TMPRSS‐ERG fusion was found in approximately 70% of cancers examined. Prostaspheres developed from single cells at a variable rate (0.5–4%) and could be serially passaged. A basal phenotype (CD44+CD49f+CK5+p63+CK8−AR−PSA−) was observed among sphere‐forming cells. Subpopulations of prostate cells expressing tumor‐associated calcium signal transducer 2 (Trop2), CD44, and CD49f preferentially formed spheres. In vivo implantation of sphere‐forming cells and rUGSM regenerated tubular structures containing discreet basal and luminal layers. The TMPRSS‐ERG fusion was absent in prostaspheres derived from fusion‐positive tumor tissue, suggesting a survival/growth advantage of benign prostate epithelial cells. CONCLUSION Human prostate sphere‐forming cells self‐renew, have tissue regeneration capability, and represent a subpopulation of basal cells. Prostate 70: 491–501, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.