Deletion of Y-chromosome specific genes in human prostate cancer

Purpose: The present study is based on the hypothesis that deletion of Y-ch romosome-specific genes is associated with prostate cancer. To test this hy pothesis, we analyzed the deletion of six Y-chromosome-specific genes in pr ostate cancer samples. Materials and Methods: Fifty human prostate cancer specimens were processed for microdissection of pure epithelial cells. DNA was extracted from these cells and amplified using PCR and analyzed for loss of six different Y-chr omosome-specific genes (SRY, ZFY, BPY1, SMCY, RBM1 and BPY2). We used D8S26 2 primer (chromosome 8p23) for internal control to assess the quality and l oading of DNA for each sample. Results: Deletion was observed in most of the prostate cancer specimens wit h at least one Y-chromosome-specific gene. The loss of SRY gene (Yp11.32) w as shown in 38% of cases whereas the other genes show 18% loss in ZFY (Yp11 .31), 14% in BPY, (Yq11.2), 52% in SMCY (Yq11.22), 32% in RBM1 (Yq11.23) an d 42% in BPY, (Yq12.1). The loss of most genes analyzed is seen more freque nt in advanced stages and grades of prostate cancer. Conclusion: There was a significant loss of Y-chromosome-specific genes in prostate cancer. The loss of SRY and BPY2 genes was more frequent in higher stages and grades of prostate cancer. This is the first report to demonstr ate that the loss of Y-chromosome-specific genes is associated with prostat e cancer, suggesting their role in pathogenesis of this disease.