Bystin in perineural invasion of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND: Bystin, Trophinin, and Tastin are component proteins of an adhesion molecule complex that plays a crucial role in the initial attachment of the embryo to the uterus. METHODS: Profiling of genes differentially expressed in the perineural invasion (PNI) in vitro model by gene microarray analysis showed overexpression of bystin in prostate cancer cells co-cultured with nerves. Validation was performed at the RNA levels using quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Bystin is overexpressed in cells co-cultured with nerves. Bystin is also present in human prostatic carcinoma (PCa) cells in PNI location in increasing gradient. Bystin is present in the supernatant of the PNI co-culture. CONCLUSIONS: Their adhesive and invasive functions in the trophoblast suggest that they might also play a role in perineural adhesion. Bystin is, therefore, an important therapeutic target for neurotropic cancers.