Cooperativity of TMPRSS2-ERG with PI3-kinase pathway activation in prostate oncogenesis

Nat Genet. 2009 May;41(5):524-6. doi: 10.1038/ng.371. Epub 2009 Apr 26.

Abstract

The TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, present in approximately 50% of prostate cancers, is less common in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), raising questions about whether TMPRSS2-ERG contributes to disease initiation. We identified the translational start site of a common TMPRSS2-ERG fusion and showed that transgenic TMPRSS2-ERG mice develop PIN, but only in the context of PI3-kinase pathway activation. TMPRSS2-ERG-positive human tumors are also enriched for PTEN loss, suggesting cooperation in prostate tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Comment
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism*
  • Prostate / metabolism*
  • Prostate / pathology
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / metabolism
  • Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • TMPRSS2-ERG fusion protein, human
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases