Prostate cell subtype linked to gland growth

Researchers have identified a specific cell type in the prostate that may explain why the gland grows larger with age. This discovery, published in The Journal of Pathology, focuses on a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes the prostate to enlarge, often leading to urinary issues in older men.

Study examines prostate tissue samples

The study, led by scientists at Johns Hopkins University, analyzed non-cancerous prostate tissues from ten men with prostate cancer. Researchers looked at gene activity in nearly 130,000 individual cells from three main prostate regions, identifying a unique group of cells known as WIF1+ cells, primarily found in the transitional zone.

WIF1+ cells respond to male hormones

These WIF1+ basal cells are responsive to androgens like testosterone, which are crucial for prostate growth and development. They differ from cells found in other prostate regions and are thought to play a role in the gland’s expansion, particularly in the transitional zone that surrounds the urethra.

Cells may explain BPH and cancer patterns

The researchers suggest that WIF1+ cells might contribute to BPH by encouraging changes in the prostate's structure. They also note that these cells could explain why prostate cancer is less common in the transitional zone, possibly due to their ability to reduce inflammation in that area.

More research needed for treatment insights

Further studies are required to confirm the role of WIF1+ cells in BPH and related conditions. Understanding these cells could lead to new treatments for men experiencing urinary problems caused by prostate enlargement.