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

Recent research conducted by Northwestern Medicine has unveiled a novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) that could play a crucial role in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. These RNA molecules, typically longer than 200 nucleotides, are abundantly expressed in cells and have been linked to cancer progression. The study focused on a specific lncRNA named PRCAT71, which was found to be highly expressed in both primary and metastatic prostate cancer tissues.

Using advanced RNA sequencing techniques on patient tissue samples and cell lines, the researchers observed that inhibiting PRCAT71 significantly reduced key cancerous behaviors such as cell proliferation, colony formation, and invasiveness. The investigation further revealed that PRCAT71 interacts with the KHSRP protein to stabilize androgen receptor mRNA, thereby amplifying androgen receptor signaling—a critical pathway in prostate cancer progression.

The findings suggest that PRCAT71 could serve as a valuable biomarker for prostate cancer prognosis and offers a promising therapeutic target. Targeting the PRCAT71-KHSRP-AR axis might provide new avenues for therapy, especially for patients with advanced disease. The study encourages further exploration into the non-canonical functions of KHSRP and its role across different cancer types.

This research underscores the importance of understanding lncRNA mechanisms in cancer biology, opening the door to innovative treatments that could improve patient outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-noncoding-rna-therapeutic-prostate-cancer.html