New cells for studying EMT in prostate cancer

What is it about?

We present the generation of a panel of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory which spontaneously undergo a process (EMT) thought to be involved in the spread of disease (metastasis). It is generally thought that cells undergoing EMT gain stem-like properties (cancer stem cells). However, we demonstrate that not all cells having a potential for EMT exhibit stem cell-like properties.

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Why is it important?

A main limitation of prostate cancer research has been the lack of available cells which come from a primary tumour in the prostate and can be grown in the laboratory. In the past, the most commonly-studied prostate cancer cells have been those which are generated from disease which has already spread from the prostate to other sites, such as the bone or brain. But now we will be able to study the cells before this process occurs – getting a vital glimpse into cancer progression and metastasis at the earliest possible stage. This work provides a novel and important platform for future studies that will help us to predict prostate cancer metastasis and better understand cancer progression. As such, it could also be crucial in providing valuable insight into potential new therapies and approaches for the treatment and management of prostate cancer.