LNCaP

Human prostate cancer cell line

Overview

LNCaP cells under a microscope

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 their growth is stimulated by androgens, which are male hormones such as testosterone.

Characteristics

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

• Androgen Sensitivity: LNCaP cells require androgens for optimal growth, making them a model for studying androgen-dependent prostate cancer.
• PSA Production: These cells produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein used as a marker in prostate cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
• Mutation Profile: LNCaP cells have a mutation in the androgen receptor gene, which affects their response to androgens.

Applications in Research

Comparison of various cancer cell lines, including LNCaP

LNCaP cells are widely used in prostate cancer research to:

• Study the mechanisms of androgen receptor signaling and its role in prostate cancer progression.
• Investigate the effects of anti-androgen drugs and other therapeutic agents.
• Explore the molecular pathways involved in prostate cancer metastasis and resistance to therapy.

Comparison with Other Cell Lines

LNCaP cells are often compared with other prostate cancer cell lines such as PC-3 and DU145. Unlike LNCaP, PC-3 and DU145 are androgen-independent, meaning they do not require androgens for growth. This difference makes LNCaP particularly useful for studying the transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Limitations

While LNCaP cells are a valuable tool in prostate cancer research, they have limitations:

• Genetic Drift: Over time, LNCaP cells can undergo genetic changes that may affect experimental outcomes.
• Limited Metastatic Potential: LNCaP cells have a lower metastatic potential compared to other cell lines, which may limit their use in studying advanced prostate cancer.

Related pages

• Prostate cancer
• Androgen receptor
• Prostate-specific antigen
• PC-3
• DU145

See also

• Cancer cell line
• Androgen deprivation therapy
• Hormone therapy (oncology)