Genetic regulation of prostate development

Joshua J. Meeks, Edward M. Schaeffer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalShort surveypeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Prostatic development is a dynamic process in which basic mechanisms of epithelial outgrowth and epithelial-mesenchymal interaction are initiated by androgens and androgen receptor signaling. Even in adulthood, the prostate's function remains tightly regulated by androgens-without them, pathologic diseases, including hyperplastic and malignant growth that together plague nearly 50% of aging males, do not occur. Unraveling the etiology of these pathologic processes is a complex and important goal. In fact, many insights into these processes have come from an intimate understanding of the complex signaling networks that regulate physiologic prostatic growth in development. This review aims to highlight important key molecules such as Nkx3.1, sonic hedgehog, and Sry box 9, as well as key signaling pathways including the fibroblast growth factor and wingless pathways. These molecules and pathways are critical for prostate development with both known and postulated roles in prostatic pathology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)210-217
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of andrology
Volume32
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2011

Keywords

  • Androgens
  • Epithelial-mesenchymal interaction
  • Fibroblast growth factor
  • Nkx3.1
  • Sonic hedgehog
  • Sox9
  • Wnt

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Reproductive Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Genetic regulation of prostate development'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this