Prostate Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Prostate Cancer, including details on symptoms, genetics, screening, treatment, information.

A glycolytic mechanism regulating an angiogenic switch in prostate cancer.

Wang J, Wang J, Dai J, Jung Y, Wei CL, Wang Y, Havens AM, Hogg PJ, Keller ET, Pienta KJ, Nor JE, Wang CY, Taichman RS

Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.

The generation of an "angiogenic switch" is essential for tumor growth, yet its regulation is poorly understood. In this investigation, we explored the linkage between metastasis and angiogenesis through CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling. We found that CXCR4 regulates the expression and secretion of the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). Overexpression of PGK1 reduced the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 and increased the generation of angiostatin. At metastatic sites, however, high levels of CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 reduced PGK1 expression, releasing the angiogenic response for metastastic growth. These data suggest that PGK1 is a critical downstream target of the chemokine axis and an important regulator of an "angiogenic switch" that is essential for tumor and metastatic growth.

Published 9 January 2007 in Cancer Res, 67(1): 149-59.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Prostate Cancer Research Today. All Rights Reserved.