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Progress in the Molecular Characterization of Prostate Cancer: Implications for the Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2021) | Viewed by 11269

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy
Interests: molecular pharmacology of anticancer agents; preclinical development of innovative therapeutic approaches; development of tumor preclinical models (PDXs, 3D-coltures); identification and validation of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets; miRNA-based therapeutics c

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Guest Editor
Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: microRNA; long non coding RNA; prostate cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Prostate cancer is a disease of great heterogeneity, from both a genomic and clinical point of view. The introduction of next-generation sequencing and the parallel development of computational biology approaches have led to a better understanding of prostate cancer genomic complexity and to an improved definition of disease subtypes characterized by specific genomic alterations. In the field of prostate cancer translational research, great efforts are currently being devoted to the validation of such genomic alterations as potential prognostic/predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets. In this context, a variety of DNA, RNA, or protein-based tissue biomarkers as well as of circulating biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells and cell-free nucleic acids, have been proposed with the aim of improving prognosis and the selection of therapeutic strategies for specific groups of patients.

The Special Issue “Progress in the Molecular Characterization of Prostate Cancer: Implications for the Identification of Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets” aims to present molecular studies dealing with the identification and functional characterization of specific molecular alterations mainly involved in disease pathogenesis, progression, and/or treatment response that are suitable for future clinical exploitation towards improving the management of patients.

Dr. Nadia Zaffaroni
Dr. Paolo Gandellini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • next-generation sequencing
  • tissue biomarkers (nucleic acid- or protein-based)
  • circulating biomarkers (CTCs, ctDNA, miRNAs)
  • prognostic and predictive factors
  • therapeutic targets

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 5276 KiB  
Article
Gene Expression Signature Predictive of Neuroendocrine Transformation in Prostate Adenocarcinoma
by Paola Ostano, Maurizia Mello-Grand, Debora Sesia, Ilaria Gregnanin, Caterina Peraldo-Neia, Francesca Guana, Elena Jachetti, Antonella Farsetti and Giovanna Chiorino
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(3), 1078; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21031078 - 6 Feb 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4274
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) can arise de novo, but much more commonly occurs as a consequence of a selective pressure from androgen deprivation therapy or androgen receptor antagonists used for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. The process is known as neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. There is [...] Read more.
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) can arise de novo, but much more commonly occurs as a consequence of a selective pressure from androgen deprivation therapy or androgen receptor antagonists used for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. The process is known as neuroendocrine transdifferentiation. There is little molecular characterization of NEPCs and consequently there is no standard treatment for this kind of tumors, characterized by highly metastases rates and poor survival. For this purpose, we profiled 54 PCa samples with more than 10-years follow-up for gene and miRNA expression. We divided samples into two groups (NE-like vs. AdenoPCa), according to their clinical and molecular features. NE-like tumors were characterized by a neuroendocrine fingerprint made of known neuroendocrine markers and novel molecules, including long non-coding RNAs and components of the estrogen receptor signaling. A gene expression signature able to predict NEPC was built and tested on independently published datasets. This study identified molecular features (protein-coding, long non-coding, and microRNAs), at the time of surgery, that may anticipate the NE transformation process of prostate adenocarcinoma. Our results may contribute to improving the diagnosis and treatment of this subgroup of tumors for which traditional therapy regimens do not show beneficial effects. Full article
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23 pages, 1163 KiB  
Review
Hereditary Predisposition to Prostate Cancer: From Genetics to Clinical Implications
by Andreia Brandão, Paula Paulo and Manuel R. Teixeira
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(14), 5036; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21145036 - 16 Jul 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6482
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PrCa) ranks among the top five cancers for both incidence and mortality worldwide. A significant proportion of PrCa susceptibility has been attributed to inherited predisposition, with 10–20% of cases expected to occur in a hereditary/familial context. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies [...] Read more.
Prostate cancer (PrCa) ranks among the top five cancers for both incidence and mortality worldwide. A significant proportion of PrCa susceptibility has been attributed to inherited predisposition, with 10–20% of cases expected to occur in a hereditary/familial context. Advances in DNA sequencing technologies have uncovered several moderate- to high-penetrance PrCa susceptibility genes, most of which have previously been related to known hereditary cancer syndromes, namely the hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, CHEK2, and PALB2) and Lynch syndrome (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) genes. Additional candidate genes have also been suggested, but further evidence is needed to include them in routine genetic testing. Recommendations based on clinical features, family history, and ethnicity have been established for more cost-efficient genetic testing of patients and families who may be at an increased risk of developing PrCa. The identification of alterations in PrCa predisposing genes may help to inform screening strategies, as well as treatment options, in the metastatic setting. This review provides an overview of the genetic basis underlying hereditary predisposition to PrCa, the current genetic screening recommendations, and the implications for clinical management of the disease. Full article
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