The Nkx3. 1 homeobox gene is a key regulator of prostate epithelial differentiation whose loss-of-function represents an enabling event in prostate cancer initiation. Our proposed studies are based on the hypothesis that the molecular processes by which NkxS. 1 regulates prostate epithelial differentiation are causally linked to its role in cancer initiation, while its consequences for malignancy are limited by cellular senescence. We will utilize state-of-the-art molecular approaches applied to in vivo mouse models, organ transplant models, and cell-based approaches, and combined with validation to human prostate cancer to Identify key molecular pathways involved in prostate cancer initiation. Specifically:
In Aim 1, we will investigate the relationship between cellular senescence and cancer initiation. Based on our observation that Nkx3.1 mutant mice display senescence coincident with the occurrence of PIN (Preliminary Data), we will investigate the relationship of the senescence phenotype to cell type, and prostate stem cells. We will evaluate the functions of senescence modulators in renal graft assays and validate their relevance to human prostate cancer with assistance of Core A.
In Aim 2, we will investigate the relationship between cellular specification and cancer initiation. Based on our finding that gain-of-function of Nkx3.1 in nonprostatic epithelium is sufficient to induce prostate growth in vivo (Preliminary Data), we will now investigate the mechanisms by which Nkx3.1 induces prostate specification and their relationship to cancer initiation. To do so, we will use gene expression profiling followed by functional analyses of selected genes, which will be prioritized in conjunction with the bioinformatic component of Core B and validated to human prostate cancer with Core A.
In Aim 3, we will elucidate a transcriptional program of cancer initiation. Having identified putative target genes that are relevant for cancer initiation and are both regulated by (i.e., from gene expression profiling) and bound (i.e., from chromatin immunoprecipitation, ChIP) by Nkx3.1 (Preliminary data), we will now pursue a comprehensive analysis of Nkx3.1 target genes using gene expression profiling combined with high-throughput genome-wide sequencing of ChlP-enriched DNA fragments (ChlP-Seq). Candidate target genes will be prioritized with assistance from the bioinformatic component of Core B and based on their expression in human prostate cancer with Core A. In addition to essential interactions with Cores A and B, our studies will benefit from interactions with Michael Shen (Project 1) to evaluate the molecular properties of senescence in the context of prostate stem cells, and with Edward Gelmann (Project 3), who will provide an in-depth evaluation of the consequences of Nkx3.1 for DNA damage.

Public Health Relevance

Understanding the processes involved in early stages of cancer will have far-reaching implications for its detection, intervention, and effective prognosis. Yet, such investigations have been hampered by a lack of appropriate experimental models as well as limited access to clinically-relevant tissue specimens. Our studies are predicated on the idea that analyses of biologically-relevant mouse models, in conjunction with validation to human cancer, will provide important molecular insights into early stages of cancer and that the Nkx3.I homeobox qene provides an excellent subject for these investigations.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Program Projects (P01)
Project #
5P01CA154293-03
Application #
8568043
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-RPRB-0)
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$341,107
Indirect Cost
$127,915
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Type
DUNS #
621889815
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032
Dutta, Aditya; Panja, Sukanya; Virk, Renu K et al. (2017) Co-clinical Analysis of a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model and Human Prostate Cancer Reveals Significance of NKX3.1 Expression for Response to 5?-reductase Inhibition. Eur Urol 72:499-506
Zou, Min; Toivanen, Roxanne; Mitrofanova, Antonina et al. (2017) Transdifferentiation as a Mechanism of Treatment Resistance in a Mouse Model of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancer Discov 7:736-749
Zhang, Hailan; Zheng, Tian; Chua, Chee Wai et al. (2016) Nkx3.1 controls the DNA repair response in the mouse prostate. Prostate 76:402-8
Dutta, Aditya; Le Magnen, Clémentine; Mitrofanova, Antonina et al. (2016) Identification of an NKX3.1-G9a-UTY transcriptional regulatory network that controls prostate differentiation. Science 352:1576-80
Le Magnen, Clémentine; Dutta, Aditya; Abate-Shen, Cory (2016) Optimizing mouse models for precision cancer prevention. Nat Rev Cancer 16:187-96
Santanam, Urmila; Banach-Petrosky, Whitney; Abate-Shen, Cory et al. (2016) Atg7 cooperates with Pten loss to drive prostate cancer tumor growth. Genes Dev 30:399-407
Bowen, Cai; Zheng, Tian; Gelmann, Edward P (2015) NKX3.1 Suppresses TMPRSS2-ERG Gene Rearrangement and Mediates Repair of Androgen Receptor-Induced DNA Damage. Cancer Res 75:2686-98
Shen, Michael M (2015) Illuminating the Properties of Prostate Luminal Progenitors. Cell Stem Cell 17:644-646
Song, Liang-Nian; Silva, Jose; Koller, Antonius et al. (2015) The Tumor Suppressor NKX3.1 Is Targeted for Degradation by DYRK1B Kinase. Mol Cancer Res 13:913-22
Mitrofanova, Antonina; Aytes, Alvaro; Zou, Min et al. (2015) Predicting Drug Response in Human Prostate Cancer from Preclinical Analysis of In Vivo Mouse Models. Cell Rep 12:2060-71

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