Progenitors in prostate development and disease

Diya B. Joseph, Anne E. Turco, Chad M. Vezina, Douglas W. Strand

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

The prostate develops by epithelial budding and branching processes that occur during fetal and postnatal stages. The adult prostate demonstrates remarkable regenerative capacity, with the ability to regrow to its original size over multiple cycles of castration and androgen administration. This capacity for controlled regeneration prompted the search for an androgen-independent epithelial progenitor in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). BPH is hypothesized to be a reawakening of ductal branching, resulting in the formation of new proximal glands, all while androgen levels are decreasing in the aging male. Advanced prostate cancer can be slowed with androgen deprivation, but resistance eventually occurs, suggesting the existence of an androgen-independent progenitor. Recent studies indicate that there are multiple castration-insensitive epithelial cell types in the proximal area of the prostate, but not all act as progenitors during prostate development or regeneration. This review highlights how recent cellular and anatomical studies are changing our perspective on the identity of the prostate progenitor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)50-58
Number of pages9
JournalDevelopmental Biology
Volume473
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Androgen independent
  • Development
  • Lineage tracing
  • Morphogenesis
  • Progenitor
  • Prostate
  • Urethra

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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