TITLE:
Synergy between molecular biology and imaging science toward mechanism-based biomarkers associated with prostate cancer
AUTHORS:
Belinda Seto
KEYWORDS:
Prostate Cancer; Biomarkers; Imaging; Molecular Mechanisms
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.5 No.12A,
December
31,
2012
ABSTRACT:
Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous
disease with subtypes that are characterized by different molecular profiles
as a result of chromosomal rearrangements, epigenetic modifications, and
activation of various signaling pathways. The subtype heterogeneity contributes
to the challenges with a definitive diagnosis and biomarkers for disease progression.
The current diagnostic test based on the detection of prostate specific
antigen lacks sensitivity and specificity. Imaging plays an important role in
characterizing biomarkers and elucidating
the underlying molecular mechanisms. For example, 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy
glucose is commonly used to assess cancer cell metabolism. More recently,
magnetic resonance spectroscopic observations of the in vivo dynamic conversion of hyperpolarized 13C- pyruvate
to lactate demonstrate that imaging enables the visualization of molecular
processes. Biomarkers have also been developed that reveal aberrant cell growth
and proliferation, both hallmarks of cancer. Androgen dependent and independent
signaling path- ways underpin prostate cancer pathogenesis as they lead to
downstream effect in cell growth, proliferation, survival, and suppression of
apoptosis. Molecular imaging with radiolabeled ligands and positron emission
tomography/computed tomography has provided quantitative characterization of
the interactions between receptors and testosterone or growth factors. These
observations, along with data on genetic alterations of the receptor genes,
shed light on signal transduction involved in prostate cancer. This review article
highlights advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of prostate
cancer and the synergy of this knowledge with imaging in characterizing
potential biomarkers of the disease.