Identification of potential therapeutic targets in prostate cancer through a cross ‐species approach

In this study, we have generated RNAseq data from tumours arising in two established mouse models of prostate cancer, PB‐Cre/PtenloxP/loxP and p53loxP/loxPRbloxP/loxP, and integrated this with published human prostate cancer expression data to pinpoint cancer‐associated gene expression changes that are conserved between the two species. To identify potential therapeutic targets, we then filtered this information for genes that are either known or predicted to be druggable. Using this approach, we revealed a functional role for the kinase MELK as a driver and potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer. We found that MELK expression was required for cell survival, affected the expression of genes associated with prostate cancer progression and was associated with biochemical recurrence.

Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) of human cancers can be used as “biological filters” to identify genes that are important to cancer development and prioritise potential therapeutic targets. The example of MELK in prostate cancer.

Source: EMBO Molecular Medicine - January 1, 2018 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: Sarah Jurmeister, Antonio Ramos ‐Montoya, Chiranjeevi Sandi, Nelma Pértega‐Gomes, Karan Wadhwa, Alastair D Lamb, Mark J Dunning, Jan Attig, Jason S Carroll, Lee GD Fryer, Sérgio L Felisbino, David E Neal Tags: Research Article Source Type: research