β-Subunits of voltage-gated sodium channels in human prostate cancer: quantitative in vitro and in vivo analyses of mRNA expression

We previously identified high levels of Na v 1.7 voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit (VGSCα) mRNA and protein in human prostate cancer cells and tissues. Here, we investigated auxillary β-subunit (VGSCβs) expression. In vitro , the combined expression of all four VGSCβs was significantly (∼4.5-fold) higher in strongly compared to weakly metastatic cells. This was mainly due to increased β1-expression, which was under androgenic control. In vivo , β1–β4 mRNAs were detectable and their expression in CaP vs non-CaP tissues generally reflected the in vitro levels in relation to metastatic potential. The possible role(s) of VGSCβs (VGSCα-associated and VGSCα-independent) in prostate cancer are discussed.