Expression of hepsin in prostate cancer and its biological implications

As one common urinary/reproductive system malignant tumor in males, the incidence of prostate cancer is increasing globally. Hepsin is one transmembrane protein and exerts critical function for cellular integrity. Previous study has suggested the pivotal role of Hepsin in infiltration and invasion of tumor cells. This study thus investigated the expression profile of Hepsin in prostate cancer and its biological significance. A total of 40 prostate cancer patients were from January 2013 to December 2014 in our hospital were recruited in this study, in parallel with 10 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Tissue samples were collected during surgery. In situ hybridization (ISH) and RT-PCR were performed to detect Hepsin expression level. RNA interference (RNAi) technique was employed to inhibit the expression of Hepsin in prostate cancer cell line 22RV1. MTT assay was further used to evaluate cell proliferation while Transwell approach was applied for cell invasiveness. Hepsin expression was significantly elevated in prostate cancer tissues compared to BPH tissues (P<0.05). With advanced stage of cancer, Hepsin expression level was further elevated. When Hepsin expression was knocked-down in 22RV1 cells, the invasion ability was decreased by 45.5% but not for cell proliferation. The expression level of Hepsin had no significant effects on prostate cancer cell proliferation but significantly modulated migration and invasion of tumor cells.