PRAC2: A new gene expressed in human prostate and prostate cancer

Abstract BACKGROUND The database of human Expressed Sequence Tags was previously used to identify PRAC (Prostate 47:125–131, 2001), a novel gene specifically expressed in human prostate, prostate cancer, rectum, and distal colon. In this report, we have identified PRAC2 , another gene with a similar expression pattern that is located adjacent to the original PRAC gene on chromosome 17q21.3. METHODS Using a computer‐based analysis, a cluster of sequence homologous ESTs was identified that is mainly derived from human prostate cDNA libraries. The tissue specificity was examined by multiple tissue RNA dot blots and RT‐PCR. The PRAC2 transcript and protein were identified using Northern blot analysis, RACE‐PCR, primer extension, and Western blots. RESULTS PRAC2 encodes a 564 nucleotide RNA found in prostate, rectum, distal colon, and testis. Weak expression was also found in placenta, peripheral blood leukocytes, skin, and in two prostate cancer cell lines: LNCaP and PC‐3. The transcript seems to encode a 10.5‐kDa nuclear protein. The PRAC2 gene is located on chromosome 17 at position 17q21, between the Hoxb‐13 gene and the recently discovered PRAC gene. CONCLUSIONS Because of the higher expression of PRAC2 in prostate and its proximity to Hoxb‐13 , PRAC2 may have a function in prostate growth and development. Prostate 56: 123–130, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.