Prostate Cancer Molecular Background: The IGF-1Ec Story

Background: Recently, a number of genetic aberrations have been associated to prostate cancer, these can either cause prostate cancer directly by affecting mechanisms central to the survival of the prostatic cell or indirectly by making the cell more sensitive to endocrine or paracrine stimuli. The mature IGF-1 is one of the most common factors involved in the development of prostate cancer. Its mode of action is exerted through the IGF-1R. It induces inhibition of apoptosis, thus promoting survival, and cellular proliferation. Methods: Review of the literature was carried out for the determination of all the molecules involved in prostate cancer pathophysiology. The papers were found using the Pubmed platform. Results: Evidence is presented for the involvement of a novel key player in prostate cancer, the Ec peptide of the IGF-1Ec isoform that is positively associated to stage and grade in prostate cancer patients and is associated with induction of cellular proliferation epithelial to mesenchymal transition and metastases of prostate cancer cells. Conclusion: Herein we review the current knowledge in the prostate cancer genetic landscape stressing out new evidence in the literature regarding the role of the Ec peptide (PEc) of the IGF-1Ec isoform in prostate cancer.