Phenotypic characterization of two novel cell line models of castration-resistant prostate cancer

Haffner M. C., Bhamidipati A., Tsai H. K., Esopi D. M., Vaghasia A. M., Low J., ...More

PROSTATE, vol.81, no.15, pp.1159-1171, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 81 Issue: 15
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/pros.24210
  • Journal Name: PROSTATE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Gender Studies Database, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1159-1171
  • Keywords: androgen signaling, castration resistance, cell line models, xenograft, BIPOLAR ANDROGEN THERAPY, GLUCOCORTICOID-RECEPTOR, SPLICE VARIANTS, BONE METASTASIS, EXPRESSION, PROGRESSION, MECHANISMS, DEPRIVATION, ACTIVATION, CARCINOMA
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background Resistance to androgen deprivation therapies is a major driver of mortality in advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, there is a need to develop new preclinical models that allow the investigation of resistance mechanisms and the assessment of drugs for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods We generated two novel cell line models (LAPC4-CR and VCaP-CR) which were derived by passaging LAPC4 and VCaP cells in vivo and in vitro under castrate conditions. We performed detailed transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and proteomic analyses (SWATH-MS) to delineate expression differences between castration-sensitive and castration-resistant cell lines. Furthermore, we characterized the in vivo and in vitro growth characteristics of these novel cell line models. Results The two cell line derivatives LAPC4-CR and VCaP-CR showed castration-resistant growth in vitro and in vivo which was only minimally inhibited by AR antagonists, enzalutamide, and bicalutamide. High-dose androgen treatment resulted in significant growth arrest of VCaP-CR but not in LAPC4-CR cells. Both cell lines maintained AR expression, but exhibited distinct expression changes on the mRNA and protein level. Integrated analyses including data from LNCaP and the previously described castration-resistant LNCaP-abl cells revealed an expression signature of castration resistance. Conclusions The two novel cell line models LAPC4-CR and VCaP-CR and their comprehensive characterization on the RNA and protein level represent important resources to study the molecular mechanisms of castration resistance.