Perlecan, a candidate gene for the CAPB locus, regulates prostate cancer cell growth via the Sonic Hedgehog pathway.

Background: Genetic studies associated the CAPB locus with familial risk of brain and prostate cancers. We have identified HSPG2 (Perlecan) as a candidate gene for CAPB. Previously we have linked Perlecan to Hedgehog signaling in Drosophila.

Inhibition of prostate cancer proliferation by interference with SONIC HEDGEHOG-GLI1 signaling.

Prostate cancer is the most common solid tumor in men, and it shares with all cancers the hallmark of elevated, nonhomeostatic cell proliferation. Here we have tested the hypothesis that the SONIC HEDGEHOG (SHH)-GLI signaling pathway is implicated in prostate cancer. We report expression of SHH-GLI pathway components in adult human prostate cancer, often with enhanced levels in tumors versus normal prostatic epithelia.