New Insights Into How Prostate Cancer Turns Deadly and Potential Treatment Targets
A pioneering study reveals the molecular mechanisms behind prostate cancer’s deadly transformation into NEPC and introduces promising targets for new therapies.
In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Genetics, researchers from Emory University have uncovered the cellular and molecular mechanisms that cause prostate cancer to progress into its most lethal form, neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). This transformation occurs in up to 20% of advanced cases and is characterized by rapid disease progression and resistance to current therapies. The study highlights the pivotal roles of proteins FOXA2 and NKX2-1 in reprogramming cancer cells into a more aggressive subtype. FOXA2 functions as a pioneer factor, opening up inaccessible DNA regions, while NKX2-1 activates gene programs associated with brain and lung cells, leading to NEPC development.
The team employed cutting-edge genomic and 3D mapping technologies to observe how DNA folding and looping facilitate gene activation during this transformation. They discovered that enzymes CBP and p300 are crucial in this process, orchestrating the activation of oncogenes that drive tumor growth. Importantly, drugs like CCS1477 that inhibit CBP/p300 are currently in clinical trials and have demonstrated effectiveness in blocking NEPC growth in laboratory and animal models.
This research offers promising therapeutic avenues, suggesting that targeting these epigenetic regulators could prevent or delay the transition to the treatment-resistant NEPC. By understanding these molecular drivers, future therapies can be designed to intervene early and improve patient outcomes, potentially transforming the management of advanced prostate cancer.
This study not only advances our understanding of prostate cancer biology but also paves the way for developing targeted treatments against its most aggressive forms. The findings underscore the importance of molecular research in paving the way for innovative cancer therapies.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-uncovers-prostate-cancer-deadly-treatments.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Understanding Human Body Control and Its Implications for Parkinson's Disease Risk
Research explores how the nervous system controls human movement and how alterations in motor strategies can predict early Parkinson’s disease, offering promising avenues for early screening and intervention.
New Study Reveals Flawed Guidance on Medication Use During Breastfeeding Encourages Unnecessary Cessation
A new study uncovers how flawed guidance on medication use during breastfeeding leads many women to stop breastfeeding unnecessarily, impacting maternal and infant health. The research emphasizes the need for evidence-based advice to support safe breastfeeding practices while on medications.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancer and Osteoarthritis Found in Retired Olympians, Study Shows
A new study reveals that retired Olympic athletes face higher risks of skin cancer and osteoarthritis, highlighting the importance of targeted health strategies for long-term athlete well-being.