Nkx3.1; Pten mutant mice develop invasive prostate adenocarcinoma and lymph node metastases

Cancer Res. 2003 Jul 15;63(14):3886-90.

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that several loss-of-function mouse models of prostate carcinogenesis can develop a spectrum of precancerous lesions that resemble human prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). Here, we have investigated the malignant potential of the high-grade PIN lesions that form in Nkx3.1(+/-); Pten(+/-) compound mutant mice and demonstrate their neoplastic progression in a serial transplantation/tissue recombination assay. Furthermore, we find that a majority of Nkx3.1(+/-); Pten(+/-) mice greater than 1 year of age develop invasive adenocarcinoma, which is frequently accompanied by metastases to lymph nodes. Finally, we observe androgen independence of high-grade PIN lesions after androgen ablation of Nkx3.1(+/-); Pten(+/-) mice. We conclude that Nkx3.1(+/-); Pten(+/-) mice recapitulate key features of advanced prostate cancer and represent a useful model for investigating associated molecular mechanisms and for evaluating therapeutic approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Nude
  • Mutation*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Orchiectomy
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Rats
  • Testosterone / blood
  • Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics*

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • NKX3-1 protein, human
  • Nkx3-1 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Testosterone
  • Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase
  • PTEN protein, human