AB063. A prostaglandin E (PGE) receptor EP4 is involved in the cell growth and invasion of prostate cancer via the cAMP-PKA/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent diagnosed malignancies in the world. Previous studies have proved that prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) was closely related to the tumorigenesis and progression of PCa. However, the molecular mechanisms are not very clear, and it is necessary to be further studied. MMPs, RANKL and RUNX2, involved in the cell growth and bone metastasis, are activated or overexpressed in many cancers, including PCa.

Methods: This study was designed to demonstrate the internal relationship and molecular mechanisms among the PGE₂, EP4 and MMPs, RANKL and RUNX2 in PCa, and to define their roles in PCa cell proliferation and invasion.

Conclusions: In summary, it is revealed that PGE₂ significantly upregulates the mRNA and protein expression levels of the MMPs, RANKL and RUNX2, and the EP4 receptor was involved in the cell proliferation and invasion of PCa via the cMAP-PKA/PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in this study. The present study may provide a new way of thinking and therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of PCa.

Keywords: Prostaglandin E; Prostate cancer (PCa); AKT; PGE₂