Silodosin inhibits noradrenaline-activated transcription factors Elk1 and SRF in human prostate smooth muscle.

Background: The transcription factors Elk1 and serum response factor (SRF) are central regulators of cell cycle and phenotype in various cell types. Elk1 is activated by phosphorylation (serine-383), while activation of SRF requires its co-factor, myocardin. Activation of Elk1 and SRF results in binding to specific DNA sequences in promoter regions, and may be induced by adrenergic receptor activation in different organs.

Alpha1-adrenoceptor signaling in the human prostate involves regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Objective: To investigate whether 1-adrenoceptor signaling in the human prostate involves regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38. Although α1-adrenoceptors are an important target for therapy of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with prostate hyperplasia, intracellular signaling by prostate α1-adrenoceptors is not sufficiently understood.

Methods: Prostate tissue was obtained from patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.