Abstract A52: DNA damage responses in different cell types of nonproliferating human prostate tissue

DNA damage response (DDR) pathways have been extensively studied in cancer cell lines and mouse models, but little is known about how DNA damage is recognized by different cell types in nonmalignant, slowly replicating human tissues. Here, we assess, using ex vivo cultures of human prostate tissue, DDR caused by cytotoxic drugs (camptothecin, doxorubicin, etoposide, and cisplatin) and ionizing radiation (IR) in the context of normal tissue architecture. Using specific markers for basal and luminal epithelial cells, we determine and quantify cell compartment-specific damage recognition. IR, doxorubicin, and etoposide induced the phosphorylation of H2A.X on Ser(139) (gH2AX) and DNA damage foci formation. Surprisingly, luminal epithelial cells lack the prominent gH2AX response after IR when compared with basal cells, although ATM phosphorylation on Ser(1981) and 53BP1 foci were clearly detectable in both cell types. The attenuated gH2AX response seems to result from low levels of total H2A.X in the luminal cells. Marked increase in p53, a downstream target of the activated ATM pathway, was detected only in response to camptothecin and doxorubicin. These findings emphasize the diversity of pathways activated by DNA damage in slowly replicating tissues and reveal an unexpected deviation in the prostate luminal compartment that may be relevant in prostate tumorigenesis. Detailed mapping of tissue and cell type differences in DDR will provide an outlook of relevant responses to therapeutic strategies. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: Taija M. af Hällström, Kimmo Taari, Mirja Ruutu, Leif Andersson, Marikki Laiho, Sari Jäämaa, Anna Sankila, Ville Rantanen, Hannu Koistinen, Ulf-Håkan Stenman, Zhewei Zhang, Zhiming Yang, Angelo M. De Marzo. DNA damage responses in different cell types of nonproliferating human prostate tissue [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2012 Feb 6-9; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A52.