Oncogenic activation in prostate cancer progression and metastasis: Molecular insights and future challenges

Subhamoy Dasgupta1, Srinivasa Srinidhi2, Jamboor K Vishwanatha1
1Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, and Institute for Cancer Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
2Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine University of North Texas Health Science Center 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
DOI: 10.4103/1477-3163.93001

ABSTRACT

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among men in the United States, and currently early diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain key approaches for patient care. Molecularly prostate cancer cells carry multiple perturbations that generate malignant phenotype capable of uncontrolled growth, survival, and invasion-metastasis to other organs. These alterations are acquired both by genetic and epigenetic changes in tumor cells resulting in the activation of growth factor receptors, signaling proteins, kinases, transcription factors and coregulators, and multiple proteases required for the progression of the disease. Recent advances provide novel insights into the molecular functions of these oncogenic activators, implicating potential therapeutic targeting opportunities for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Keywords: Prostate cancer, oncogene, PI3K-Akt, proteases, signaling pathways, growth factor receptors.