We will study the way cancer cells deactivate expression of a gene called NKX3.1. This gene controls prostate cell growth and differentiation. Many cancers (in particular, advanced cancers) have lost expression of this gene. However, even if the gene is not entirely turned off, but the levels of its protein reduced by half, it is important for control of prostate cell growth. We will study the DNA of normal and malignant prostate cells to determine if DNA modification (called methylation) that can affect gene expression, is an important regulatory mechanism for NKX3.1 expression in prostate cancer. We will do this by analyzing DNA from prostate cancer cell lines and from cancer tissues. Lastly, we will use chemical inhibitors of methylation in cultured cells to deactivate NKX3.1 methylation and reactivate expression of the gene. |
