WNT5A is a putative epi‐driver of prostate cancer metastasis to the bone

Abstract Background Current diagnostic tools are unable to distinguish low‐grade indolent prostate cancer (PrCa) from that with a propensity to become metastatic and/or lethal. Recent evidence suggests that reprogramming of the transcriptome may drive the metastatic phenotype, and that this reprogra...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Emma J. Wilkinson, Kelsie Raspin, Roslyn C. Malley, Shaun Donovan, Louise M. Nott, Adele F. Holloway, Joanne L. Dickinson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-08-01
Series:Cancer Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.70122
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Current diagnostic tools are unable to distinguish low‐grade indolent prostate cancer (PrCa) from that with a propensity to become metastatic and/or lethal. Recent evidence suggests that reprogramming of the transcriptome may drive the metastatic phenotype, and that this reprogramming is controlled, at least in part, by epigenetic changes to the DNA of cancer cells, including methylation. These changes, referred to as ‘epigenetic drivers,’ have previously been associated with cancer cell survival. Methods Here, using Illumina Methylation EPIC array data of paired primary PrCa and metastatic bone samples, we identified WNT5A as a putative epi‐driver of PrCa metastasis to the bone, which was further validated in vitro. Results Significantly higher WNT5A methylation was observed in primary PrCa samples and 22Rv1 cells compared to metastatic bone samples and PC‐3 cells. This higher methylation was associated with significantly lower WNT5A gene expression. Conclusion Given the limited effective therapies available for metastatic cancer sufferers, particularly those whose disease has metastasised to the bone, WNT5A presents as a potential putative target for therapy.
ISSN:2045-7634