DU145

DU145 is a cell line derived from a brain metastasis of a human prostate cancer patient. This cell line is commonly used in cancer research to study the biology of prostate cancer and to test new therapeutic strategies.

Apoptosis in DU145 prostate cancer cells, induced by etoposide.

History

The DU145 cell line was established in the 1970s from a brain metastasis of a 69-year-old Caucasian male with prostate cancer. The cell line has been used extensively in research since its establishment.

Characteristics

DU145 cells are androgen-independent, meaning they can grow without the presence of androgens, which are hormones that usually stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. This makes DU145 a useful model for studying advanced stages of prostate cancer that no longer respond to hormone therapy.

DU145 cells also lack the androgen receptor, a protein that binds to androgens and regulates gene expression. This is another characteristic that makes DU145 a good model for studying hormone-refractory prostate cancer.

Use in Research

DU145 cells are used in a variety of research applications. They are often used to study the biology of prostate cancer, including the mechanisms of tumor growth and metastasis. They are also used to test new therapeutic strategies, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

See Also

• LNCaP
• PC-3
• Prostate cancer