Activation of Wnt/beta-Catenin Signaling in a Subpopulation of Murine Prostate Luminal Epithelial Cells Induces High Grade Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia

摘要

BACKGROUND. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is important for prostate development and cancer in humans. Activation of this pathway in differentiated luminal cells of mice induces high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN). Though the cell of origin of prostate cancer has yet to be conclusively identified, a castration-resistant Nkx3.1-expressing cell (CARN) may act as a cell of origin for prostate cancer.