Molecular Profiling of Potential Human Prostate Cancer Stem Cells

We have investigated the expression of Oct-4, Suz-12, and Cripto-1, as presumptive “stemness” genes, and of connexin 43 (Cx43), Cx32 and androgen receptor (AR), as cell differentiation genes, in two human prostate cancer cell lines, PC3 and LNCaP. This aiming to define molecular profiles of prostate cancer stem cells for a better understanding of prostate carcinogenesis and tumor progression, as well as for prognostic or therapeutic purposes. Cells were grown in 3-dimensional (3D) cell cultures to favor clonal expansion of cancer stem and early progenitor cells, and compared to cells grown in 2-dimensional (2D) cell cultures. Under 3D culture conditions, LNCaP cells and PC3 cells generated …