BPH 04. Characterization of stromal - microenvironment - induced epithelial - mesenchymal transition in benign prostatic hyperplasia cells

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers have been observed clinically in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but the molecular events underlying the progression of EMT in benign prostate cells have not been described. We aimed to investigate the role of the stromal microenvironment underlying the progression of EMT in BPH in vitro.

Methodology: We used supernatant from prostate normal stromal WPMY-1 cells to simulate the stromal microenvironment and prepared WPMY-1 supernatant-conditioned medium (WSCM) for BPH-1 cell culture to induce EMT. We examined morphologic changes and expression of EMT markers and regulators by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results: BPH-1 cells showed a spindle shape after 7-day culture with WSCM, and the levels of epithelial markers E-cadherin and cytokeratin 5/8 (CK 5/8) were significantly lower with than without WSCM culture. WSCM-cultured BPH-1 cells were positive for the mesenchymal markers vimentin and alphasmooth muscle actin (SMA), and EMT marker Snail.

Conclutions: WPMY-1 cell supernatant may induce EMT in BPH-1 cells in vitro.