Introducing STAT 3-C into Non-Tumorigenic Prostate Epithelial Cells

Persistent activation of the transcription factor STAT 3 is a common feature of prostate cancer and may play a direct role in malignant transformation. However, little is known about the targets that are critical mediators of STAT 3 in transformation. To answer this question, a constitutively active mutant of STAT 3, STAT 3-C, was introduced into non-tumorigenic prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1). It was found that: (1) STAT 3-C induces transformation and morphological changes including increased lamellipodia; (2) STAT 3-C expression leads to increased migration; (3) Fibronectin (FN) and intergrin beta 6 (ITGB6) expression are increased in STAT 3-C expressing cells and can potentiate cell migration. Taken together, these results identify possible STAT 3 targets that may mediate its role in oncogenesis.