Origin of Prostate Cancer-Associated Stroma: Epithellal Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

Our objective was to explore the hypothesis that prostate cancer-associated stromal cells are derived from malignant epithelium by the process referred to as epithelial-mesenchymal transition EMT. The first aim was to try to generate fibroblasts from primary cultures of prostate cancer cells. Despite trying several approaches, including treatment with a classic inducer of EMT, transforming growth factor TGF, we saw no evidence of generation of fibroblasts. Aim 2 was to search for evidence of EMT in prostate cancer stroma, and here also we saw no evidence of EMT. Finally, our 3rd aim was to determine whether the properties of cancer-derived stromal cells are consistent with their origin by EMT. We performed cDNA microarray analyses to accomplish this aim and identified expression of particular genes whose activities may be related to EMT. Overall, our results do not strongly support the hypothesis that prostate cancer stroma arises from the malignant epithelium by EMT. However, alternative explanations for our lack of supporting evidence can be put forth that suggest future studies to continue to explore this hypothesis.