We demonstrated earlier that depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) induces prostate cancer progression. Here, using normal prostate epithelial PNT1A cells we demonstrate that mtDNA depletion prevents detachment-induced

apoptosis (anoikis) and promotes migratory capabilities onto basement membrane proteins through upregulation of p85 and p110 phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) subunits, which results in Akt2 activation and phosphorylation of downstream substrates GSK3 beta, c-Myc, MMP-9, Mdm2, and p53. Pharmacological or genetic PI3K inhibition, siRNA-mediated Akt2 depletion, as well as mtDNA reconstitution were sufficient to restore sensitivity to anoikis and curtail cell migration. Moreover, Akt2 activation induced glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression,

Selleck LDK378 glucose uptake, and lactate production, common phenotypic changes seen in neoplastic cells. In keeping with these findings, several prostate carcinoma cell lines displayed reduced mtDNA content and increased PI3K/Akt2 levels when compared to normal PNT1A cells, and Akt2 downregulation prevented their survival, migration and glycolytic metabolism. On a tissue microarray, we also found a statistically significant decrease Blasticidin S in vitro in mtDNA-encoded cytochrome oxidase I in prostate carcinomas. Taken together, these results provide novel mechanistic evidence supporting the notion that mtDNA mutations may confer survival and migratory advantage to prostate cancer cells through Akt2 signaling.”
“There is increasing evidence linking the incidence of certain cancers to low serum Vitamin D levels. The

active metabolite of Vitamin D, calcitriol (1, 25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-3, 1,25(OH)(2)D-3) apart from a crucial role in maintaining mineral homeostasis and skeletal functions, has antiproliferative, apoptosis and differentiation inducing as well as immunomodulatory effects in Dinaciclib mw cancer. In studying the role of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 in cancer, it is imperative to examine the potential pathways that control local tissue levels of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3. The enzyme CYP24A1 or 24-hydroxylase converts 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 to inactive calcitroic acid. Extra-renal production of this enzyme is observed and has been increasingly recognized as present in cancer cells. This enzyme is rate limiting for the amount of local 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 in cancer tissues and elevated expression is associated with an adverse prognosis. The gene that encodes CYP24A1 has been reported as an oncogene and may contribute to tumor aggressiveness by abrogating local anti-cancer effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3. It is imperative to study the regulation of CYP24A1 in cancer and especially the local metabolism of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 in cancer cells. CYP24A1 may be a predictive marker of 1,25(OH)(2)D-3 efficacy in patients with cancer as an adjunctive therapy.