Principal Investigators:

Victor Lin, Ph.D.: 214-648-3924 Victor.Lin@utsouthwestern.edu

Claus Roehrborn, M.D.: 214-648-2941 Claus.Roehrborn@utsouthwestern.edu

John McConnell, M.D.: 214-648-2800 John.McConnell@utsouthwestern.edu

Research interests:

Characterization of SM gene expression patterns to determine whether the SM phenotype is altered during the natural history of BPH

In many SM tissues, contractile protein gene expression patterns are modulated during proliferation, with a loss of normal contractile proteins during active growth and a re-acquisition of contractile proteins once growth is arrested. Using prostate tissues from the George W. O'Brien Urological Tissue Depository, we can analyze smooth muscle contractile protein gene expression. These contraction-related structural proteins include myosin heavy chain isoforms, caldesmon isoforms, SM22a, and extracellular matrix (collagens and elastins). Our results will provide insight into the pathogenesis of BPH biologic progression (specifically stromal SM alterations) that can then be correlated with the observed clinical progression.

Role of adrenergic stimulation in prostatic stromal smooth muscle proliferation and contraction

The dynamic tone of normal and hyperplastic prostate is largely under the influence of adrenergic stimulation. That is the rationale for the use of alpha-adrenergic receptor blockade in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to BPH. However, the impact of this therapy on the prostate SM phenotype is unknown. It has been shown that adrenergic stimulation regulates rat myocardial cell and vascular SM cell proliferation. Our laboratory has demonstrated that blockade significantly affects prostate SM phenotype. We currently are investigating the role of alpha adrenergic stimulation in the regulation of prostate stromal SM cells in culture.

Identification, isolation, and characterization of biomarkers during the progression of BPH

In order to identify biomarkers for the initiation and progression of BPH, we employ a differential display method and microarray to identify genes differentially expressed in hyperplastic prostate tissue as compared to normal tissue. We are currently characterizing gene products including a protease inhibitor-alpha2 macroglobulin.

Return to Basic Research in Benign Prostatic Diseases

For more information about the Department of Urology, contact:

Phone: 214-648-4765, FAX: 214-648-4789

Mailing Address:  5323 Harry Hines Blvd., J8.148, Dallas, TX  75390-9110