A potential novel marker for human prostate cancer: voltage-gated sodium channel expression in vivo

Abstract

Functional expression of voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunits (VGSCαs), specifically Na_v1.7, is associated with strong metastatic potential in prostate cancer (CaP) in vitro. Furthermore, VGSC activity in vitro directly potentiates processes integral to metastasis. To investigate VGSCα expression in CaP in vivo, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR were performed on human prostate biopsies (n>20). VGSCα immunostaining was evident in prostatic tissues and markedly stronger in CaP vs non-CaP patients. Importantly, RT-PCRs identified Na_v1.7 as the VGSCα most strikingly upregulated ( ∼ 20-fold) in CaP, and the resultant receiver-operating characteristics curve demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy for the disease. It is concluded that VGSCα expression increases significantly in CaP in vivo and that Na_v1.7 is a potential functional diagnostic marker.