AB052. ZEB1 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in prostate cancer is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Background: This study investigated the role of ZEB1 in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation and the interplay between VM and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Methods: Ninety-two prostate cancer tissue specimens were stained by CD34 and periodic acid Schiff. Then, we stained ZEB1 protein in the consecutive sections. Moreover, prostate cancer cells were subjected to ZEB1 knockdown using ZEB1 siRNA and then to 3D culture assay. EMT related maker was also evaluated.

Results: The data showed that the presence of VM and high ZEB1 expression were associated with higher Gleason score, TNM stage, and lymph node and distant metastases. ZEB1 knockdown reduced VM formation and the expression of EMT-related in prostate cancer cells.

Conclusions: In the current study was the first to reveal that ZEB1 played an important role in VM formation in prostate cancer ex vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, this process may have a relationship with EMT.

Keywords: Prostate cancer; vasculogenic mimicry (VM); ZEB1, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)