Heterotrimeric G proteins signaling is instrumental to the development of many tumors, including prostate cancer. We hypothesize that the hematopoietic specific G15 protein is involved in prostate cancer development based on:
- the presence of G15 a subunit in hyper-proliferating and malignant cells, but not in normal prostate;
- G15 promiscuous coupling to many receptors including receptors involved in prostate cancer development;
- G15 poorly regulated signaling properties makes it potentially capable of transducing chronic receptor stimulation;
- Many oncogenic key-factors are also G15 downstream effectors.
We propose to:
- evaluate G15 function in prostate cancer cells;
- define Ga15 expression pattern during prostate cancer progression.
This research could contribute to explain the basis of androgen independent growth of prostate cancer, offer a novel target for pharmacological therapy, provide a novel biomarker for early diagnosis or a prognostic factor allowing more conservative surgical therapy.
