Novel gene C17orf37 in Prostate Cancer Progression and Metastasis: A Prospective Biomarker

摘要

The project focuses on novel gene named Chromosome 17 open reading frame 37 (C17orf37) in prostate cancer progression and metastasis. Although the gene is overexpressed in different forms of cancer, its expression and role in prostate cancer is poorly understood. The Aims of the project are to (1) To establish the correlation of C17orf37 protein expression with poor pathological and prognostic variables in prostatic adenocarcinomas, and (2) To directly demonstrate the biological consequences of C17orf37 overexpression in promoting prostate tumor metastasis and elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating the process in vivo. This is the first annual report, and we have identified that C17orf37 is overexpressed in prostate cancer patients compared to normal prostatic tissues. We also discovered that overexpression of C17orf37 potentiates migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells through Akt/NF-kB downstream target genes. We have also established the stable cell lines expressing C17orf37, and currently evaluating role of C17orf37 in prostate cancer metastasis.