Prostate-localized and androgen-regulated expression of the membrane-boundserine protease TMPRSS2

Genes regulated by androgenic hormones are of critical importance for the n ormal physiological function of the human prostate gland, and they contribu te to the development and progression of prostate carcinoma. We used cDNA m icroarrays containing 1500 cDNAs to profile transcripts regulated by androg ens in prostate cancer cells and identified the serine protease TMPRSS2 as a gene exhibiting increased expression upon exposure to androgens, The TMPR SS2 gene is located on chromosome 21 and contains four distinct domains, in cluding a transmembrane region, indicating that it is expressed on the cell surface. Northern analysis demonstrated that TMPRSS2 is highly expressed i n prostate epithelium relative to other normal human tissues. In situ hybri dization of normal and malignant prostate tissues localizes TMPRSS2 express ion to prostate basal cells and to prostate carcinoma. These results sugges t that TMPRSS2 may play a role in prostate carcinogenesis and should be inv estigated as a diagnostic or therapeutic target for the management of prost ate cancers.