p63 is a prostate basal cell marker and is required for prostate development

Citation
S. Signoretti et al., p63 is a prostate basal cell marker and is required for prostate development, AM J PATH, 157(6), 2000, pp. 1769-1775
Citations number
27
Language
INGLESE
art.tipo
Article
Categorie Soggetti
Research/Laboratory Medicine & Medical Tecnology","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
ISSN journal
0002-9440 → ACNP
Volume
157
Issue
6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1769 - 1775
Database
ISI
SICI code
0002-9440(200012)157:6<1769:PIAPBC>2.0.ZU;2-4
Abstract
The p53 homologue p63 encodes for different isotypes able to either transac tivate p53 reporter genes (TAP63) or act as p53-dominant-nebatives (Delta N p63). p63 is expressed in the basal cells of many epithelial organs and its germline inactivation in the mouse results in agenesis of organs such as s kin appendages and the breast. Here, we show that prostate basal cells, but not secretory or neuroendocrine cells, express p63, In addition, prostate basal cells in culture predominantly express the Delta Np63 alpha isotype, In contrast, p63 protein is not detected in human prostate adenocarcinomas. Finally, and most importantly, p63(-/-) mice do not develop the prostate. These results indicate that p63 is required for prostate development and su pport the hypothesis that basal cells represent and/or include prostate ste m cells. Furthermore, our results show that p63 immunohistochemistry may be a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of benign versus malignant p rostatic lesions.