ERG Expression in Prostate Cancer: Biological Relevance and Clinical Implication

Overview

Journal J Cancer Res Clin Oncol

Specialty Oncology

Date 2015 Dec 30

PMID 26711283

Citations 11

Authors

Hatem Abou-Ouf

Liena Zhao

Tarek A Bismar

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Screening for increased levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has allowed early detection of a large majority of prostate cancer (PCa) cases. However, the relative lack of specificity of PSA has resulted in significant over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment for indolent tumors. The fusion of the transmembrane protease serine 2 with E26 transformation-specific family genes, particularly ERG, is the most widespread genetic alteration in prostate cancer, and data suggest that it is more specific for neoplastic prostate disease and may be of added prognostic value and point toward molecular subtype of PCa.

Methods: In this review, retrospective studies and clinical trials were analyzed to highlight the recent advances in our understanding of the cellular consequence of ERG rearrangement, describe its interactions with other genetic and molecular pathways, and discuss its potential diagnostic and prognostic value.

Conclusion: ERG over-expression has an emerging role in the diagnosis of PCa pathology, although there is still debate about its prognostic value. Elucidation of the mechanisms of ERG gene rearrangements and expression promises novel therapeutic and diagnostic avenues for prostate cancer.

Citing Articles

Transcription Factors in Prostate Cancer: Insights for Disease Development and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches.

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Loss of KLK4::KLKP1 pseudogene expression by RNA chromogenic in-situ hybridization is associated with PTEN loss and increased risk of biochemical recurrence in a cohort of middle eastern men with prostate cancer.

Bakker A, Slack J, Palanisamy N, Carskadon S, Ghosh S, Khalifeh I J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2022; 149(7):3721-3728.

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Past, Current, and Future Strategies to Target ERG Fusion-Positive Prostate Cancer.

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ARPC1B Is Associated with Lethal Prostate Cancer and Its Inhibition Decreases Cell Invasion and Migration In Vitro.

Gamallat Y, Zaaluk H, Kish E, Abdelsalam R, Liosis K, Ghosh S Int J Mol Sci. 2022; 23(3).

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Molecular characterization of prostate cancer in Middle Eastern population highlights differences with Western populations with prognostic implication.

Abdelsalam R, Khalifeh I, Box A, Kalantarian M, Ghosh S, Abou-Ouf H J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2020; 146(7):1701-1709.

PMID: 32350606 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03221-x.

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