Although prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men, very few specific genes are known to be important for the normal function of the prostate, or for the pathways of abnormal cellular growth that lead to prostate cancer. In our research, we are investigating the role of a gene known as Nkx3.1 in prostate cancer. Nkx3.1 is an excellent candidate for a gene important in prostate cancer because we have shown that it is required for normal prostate formation and function, through its ability to control the activities of other genes. Furthermore, our studies and those of other investigators have suggested that Nkx3.1 may be involved in suppressing the occurrence of prostate tumor cells.
To investigate whether Nkx3.1 does in fact have a causal role in prostate cancer, we will study its effects in animal studies. We will examine whether Nkx3.1 can block the ability of cancer cells to form tumors, determine whether inappropriate "turn-on" of Nkx3.1 can lead to tumor formation, and investigate whether the complete "turn-off" of Nkx3.1 results in prostate cancer, using genetically-engineered mice. Because our studies will directly address the functional significance of Nkx3.1 in the living organism, they are likely to be relevant for understanding the basis of human prostate cancer. |
