How reduced E‑cadherin may cause prostate inflammation and urinary symptoms
Role of E-Cadherin Down-Regulation in Prostatic Inflammation and Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
This project will see if low levels of a protein called E‑cadherin in prostate cells lead to prostate inflammation and bothersome urinary symptoms in older men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying prostate tissue from men with glandular BPH and using a mouse model where the E‑cadherin gene is selectively reduced in prostate cells to mimic age‑related changes. They found that E‑cadherin loss can allow prostatic secretions to leak into surrounding tissue, triggering inflammation, increased cell growth, and bladder overactivity in older mice. The work combines analysis of human prostate specimens with experiments in aged mice to map the steps from E‑cadherin down‑regulation to lower urinary tract symptoms. By tracing these mechanisms, the team aims to identify targets that could be used to prevent or treat prostate inflammation and related urinary problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), or men undergoing prostate tissue sampling, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Young men without prostate enlargement or people whose urinary problems are caused by non‑prostate conditions are less likely to see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets for treatments that prevent prostate inflammation and reduce urinary symptoms in older men.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have linked E‑cadherin loss to prostate inflammation and bladder overactivity, but converting these findings into clinical treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zhou — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zhou
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.