Background
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, with an estimated 191,930 new cases and 33,330 deaths in 2020. While there have been significant advances in the treatment of prostate cancer, it remains a challenging disease to treat, particularly in advanced stages.
One area of research that has shown promise in improving the treatment of prostate cancer is the study of alternative polyadenylation (APA). APA is a process that allows for the production of multiple transcripts from a single gene, each with a different polyadenylation site. This can lead to the production of proteins with different functions, which may have implications for cancer development and progression.
Research Funded by Department of Defense Grant
A recent study funded by a Department of Defense grant investigated the role of APA in prostate cancer. The study, led by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that APA is a common occurrence in prostate cancer cells and that it can lead to the production of proteins that promote cancer growth.
The researchers identified a number of genes that are differentially polyadenylated in prostate cancer cells compared to normal cells. These genes included several that are known to be involved in cancer development and progression, such as the androgen receptor and the MYC oncogene.
Potential Impact of the Research
The findings of this study have important implications for the development of new treatments for prostate cancer. By targeting APA, it may be possible to inhibit the production of proteins that promote cancer growth and progression. This could lead to the development of new drugs that are more effective in treating prostate cancer.
Conclusion
The research funded by the Department of Defense grant has provided new insights into the role of APA in prostate cancer. This research has the potential to lead to the development of new treatments for this devastating disease.
References
- Wang, Y., et al. (2020). Alternative polyadenylation in prostate cancer: A potential target for therapy. Molecular Cancer Research, 18(1), 112-123.
- National Cancer Institute. (2020). Prostate cancer statistics. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate-hp-pdq#section_3
Kind regards D. Dammeroff.
