The Polycomb Group protein EZH2 regulates actin polymerization in human prostate cancer cells.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: The Polycomb Group protein EZH2 is implicated in prostate cancer progression. EZH2 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. We describe a link between EZH2 function and actin polymerization in prostate cancer cells. METHODS: Nuclear and cytoplasmic EZH2 expression in benign and malignant prostate tissue samples was assessed. An association between EZH2 function and actin polymerization in prostate cancer cells was investigated using siRNA-mediated knock-down of EZH2. Effects of EZH2 knock-down on actin polymerization dynamics were analyzed biochemically using immunoblot analysis of cell lysate fractions, and morphologically using immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic EZH2 is expressed at low levels in benign prostate epithelial cells and over-expressed in prostate cancer cells. Cytoplasmic EZH2 expression levels correlate with nuclear EZH2 expression in prostate cancer samples. Knock-down of EZH2 in PC3 prostate cancer cells increases the amount of F-actin polymerization, cell size, and formation of actin-rich filaments. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoplasmic EZH2 is over-expressed in prostate cancer cells. EZH2 function promotes a reduction in the pool of insoluble F-actin in invasive prostate cancer cells. EZH2 may regulate actin polymerization dynamics and thereby promote prostate cancer cell motility and invasiveness.

Authors: Bryant, R; Winder, S; Cross, S; Hamdy, F; Cunliffe, V

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Prostate
• Volume: 68
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 255-263
• Publication date: 2008-02-01
• DOI: 10.1002/pros.20705
• EISSN: 1097-0045
• ISSN: 0270-4137
• Language: English
• Keywords: Cell Nucleus; Polycomb Repressive Complex 2; Transcription Factors; Male; Cell Size; Gene Silencing; Cell Line, Tumor; RNA, Small Interfering; DNA-Binding Proteins; Actins; Cytoplasm; Immunoblotting; Immunohistochemistry; Humans; Prostatic Neoplasms