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Heterogeneity in plasminogen activator (PA) levels in human prostate cancer cell lines: Increased PA activity correlates with biologically aggressive behavior
Author(s) -
Keer Harold N.,
Gaylis Franklin D.,
Kozlowski James M.,
Kwaan Hau C.,
Bauer Kenneth D.,
Sinha Akhouri A.,
Wilson Michael J.
Publication year - 1991
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.2990180303
Subject(s) - cell culture , flow cytometry , plasminogen activator , metastasis , prostate cancer , cancer research , biological activity , biology , cell , prostate , microbiology and biotechnology , cancer , pathology , immunology , medicine , endocrinology , in vitro , biochemistry , genetics
Plasminogen activators (PA), particularly the lower Mr urokinase (u‐PA) type, have been associated with tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We have examined the expression of PA by two human prostate cancer cell lines (PC‐3 and DU‐145) using functional and immunologic techniques. The culture media and cell extracts of the more aggressive PC‐3 cell line contained more than two‐fold greater PA activity than the relatively indolent DU‐145 cell line. Zymographic studies identified the PA expressed as u‐PA. PC‐3 cells expressed an additional lower molecular weight form of u‐PA not noted in DU‐145 cells. Heterogeneity in u‐PA expression was shown by the fibrin lysis assay, immunohistochemistry, and dual parameter flow cytometry indicating the presence of phenotypically divergent cell populations. Increased u‐PA expression may identify those tumor cells that possess aggressive biological potential.