Over expression of putative cancer stem cell marker ALDH1A1 confer aggressive behavior in Iranian prostate carcinomas

Introduction: Subpopulations of prostate cancer cells expressing putative stem cell markers possess the ability to promote tumor growth, maintenance, and progression. This study aimed to evaluate the expression patterns and clinical significance of putative stem cell marker, ALDH1A1 in prostate tumor tissues. Methods: ALDH1A1 expression was examined in a well-defined series of prostate tissues, including 105 (68%) prostate cancer (PCa), 21 (13%) high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and 31 (19%) samples of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) which were embedded in a tissue microarray block. The correlation of ALDH1A1 expression with clinicopathological parameters was also assessed. Results: There was a significant difference between the expression level of ALDH1A1 in PCa compared to the HGPIN and BPH samples (P<0.001). PCa cells expressing ALDH1A1 were more often seen in samples with advanced Gleason grade (P=0.05), and high serum PSA level (P=0.023). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between ALDH1A1 expression and tumor stage and lymph node involvement (P=0.041 and P=0.033, respectively). Conclusions: The significant association between ALDH1A1 expressions with Gleason grade indicates the potential role of this protein in PCa tumorigenesis and aggressive behavior; therefore, this CSC marker can be used as a promising candidate for targeted therapy of PCa, especially those with high Gleason grade.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cancer stem cells ، ALDHlA1 ، Prostate cancer ، Tissue microarray