New Long Noncoding RNA Identified as Potential Target for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Recent research from Northwestern Medicine has unveiled a promising long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that may play a crucial role in the prognosis and therapy of prostate cancer. This study, published in Science Advances, highlights the potential of this lncRNA as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in combating a disease that is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States.

The research focuses on lncRNA transcript 71 (PRCAT71), which has been found to be significantly expressed in both metastatic and primary prostate cancer tissues. This discovery is particularly relevant given the statistics from the American Cancer Society, which reported over 600,000 deaths attributed to cancer in 2024 alone.

In their investigation, the research team employed advanced RNA sequencing techniques to analyze tissue samples and cell lines from various prostate cancer patients. Their findings indicate that PRCAT71 not only contributes to the growth and progression of tumor cells but also plays a pivotal role in regulating the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway, known for its influence on prostate cancer development.

Specifically, the study revealed that targeting PRCAT71 diminishes several cancerous attributes of prostate cancer cells, including their ability to proliferate, form colonies, and invade other tissues. The researchers also discovered that PRCAT71 interacts with the KHSRP protein, which stabilizes androgen receptor mRNA, thereby enhancing AR signaling.

This regulatory mechanism underscores the potential of PRCAT71 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for prostate cancer. The authors of the study concluded that the PRCAT71-KHSRP-AR axis presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in prostate cancer treatment.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to further explore the non-canonical functions of KHSRP in prostate cancer, as well as its role in other forms of cancer. This ongoing investigation aims to provide a deeper understanding of how lncRNAs can be leveraged to improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from prostate cancer.