A novel gene on human chromosome 2p24 is differentially expressed between androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells

Identification of genes involved in the transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent prostate cancer is important to extend our current knowledge of the disease. Using differential display RT-PCR analysis betwee n androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, we hav e identified a novel gene, designated GC109. GC109 harbours a putative Cys- His cluster, a nuclear localisation signal, a leucine zipper and a ret fing er protein (rfp)-like domain. GC109 mRNA expression in normal human tissues was found not to be restricted to the prostate. However, using a variety o f 15 human cancer cell lines, GC109 mRNA was preferentially expressed in an drogen-dependent LNCaP-FGC, compared with androgen-independent LNCaP-LNO, D U145 and PC3 human prostate cancer cells. Finally, the GC109 gene was mappe d on human chromosome 2p24. Based on its protein domain structure and chrom osomal localisation, we hypothesise that GC109 may be involved in chromosom al rearrangements in prostate cancer. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All ri ghts reserved.