Polymorphisms in the Human Progesterone Receptor (PGR) Gene of Two Human Prostate Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

Abstract

Background: The incidence and mortality rate of prostate cancer has been steadily increasing in most countries worldwide. A potential implication of the progesterone receptor has been reported in prostatic carcinogenesis. In this study, an allele of human progesterone receptor gene (PROGINS), which was demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of sporadic ovarian cancer, was tested in two human prostate cancer cell lines, PC-EW and PC-OR. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from the cell lines in athymic nude mice. The polymorphisms in exon 4 and exon 5 and the insertion in intron G (PROGINS) were identified by sequencing and gel electrophoresis. Results: The PROGINS allele and the polymorphisms in exon 4 and exon 5 were found heterozygous in the PC-OR cell line but not in the PC-EW cell line. Conclusion: We described the polymorphisms of exon 4, exon 5 and PROGINS in prostate cancer. Mutation screening of the PGR gene may provide information for risk assessment of developing prostate cancer.