LNCaP

File:Thalmann figure.png

A human prostate cancer cell line used in research

LNCaP is a human prostate cancer cell line commonly used in cancer research. It was established from a metastatic lesion of human prostatic adenocarcinoma in the left supraclavicular lymph node of a 50-year-old Caucasian male. LNCaP cells are androgen-sensitive, meaning they require androgens for growth, which makes them a valuable model for studying androgen receptor signaling and prostate cancer progression.

Characteristics

LNCaP cells exhibit several key characteristics that make them useful for research:

• Androgen Sensitivity: LNCaP cells express the androgen receptor (AR) and require androgens for optimal growth. This property is crucial for studying the role of androgens in prostate cancer.

• PSA Production: LNCaP cells produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein commonly used as a biomarker for prostate cancer diagnosis and monitoring.

• Genetic Profile: LNCaP cells have a mutation in the AR gene, which affects their response to androgens and anti-androgens. This mutation is often studied to understand resistance mechanisms to androgen deprivation therapy.

• Growth Characteristics: LNCaP cells grow as adherent monolayers and have a doubling time of approximately 60 hours under standard culture conditions.

Applications in Research

LNCaP cells are widely used in various areas of prostate cancer research:

• Drug Testing: Researchers use LNCaP cells to test the efficacy of new drugs and therapies targeting the androgen receptor pathway.

• Mechanistic Studies: The cell line is used to study the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer progression, including the role of androgens and the AR.

• Biomarker Discovery: LNCaP cells help in identifying potential biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

• Resistance Mechanisms: The cell line is used to investigate mechanisms of resistance to androgen deprivation therapy and other treatments.

Limitations

While LNCaP cells are a valuable tool, they have limitations:

• Genetic Drift: Over time, LNCaP cells can undergo genetic changes that may affect experimental outcomes.

• Limited Heterogeneity: As a single cell line, LNCaP does not capture the genetic and phenotypic diversity of prostate cancer in patients.

• Androgen Dependence: The androgen-sensitive nature of LNCaP cells may not fully represent castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Also see

• Prostate cancer
• Androgen receptor
• Prostate-specific antigen
• Androgen deprivation therapy
• Cancer cell line