SLC45A3-ERG

The majority of prostate cancer harbors recurrent gene fusions involving ETS transcription factors, most commonly ERG. The second most common 5’ fusion partner after TMPRSS2 is SLC45A3.

SLC45A3 show a weaker expression in cancer as compared to benign tissue, which was pronounced in cases with SLC45A3-ERG fusion.

SLC45A3 down regulation is significantly associated with shorter PSA-free survival times.

In contrast, TMPRSS2 is neither differentially expressed nor do it show a correlation between protein expression and rearrangement status.

The expression of SLC45A3 protein is down regulated through SLC45A3-ERG fusion in prostate cancer.

These cases may represent a distinct molecular subclass of ERG rearranged prostate cancer with distinct clinical features.

ERG protein expression is predominantly found in prostate carcinomas with ERG gene rearrangement and does not occur in benign glands.

Reference

 Loss of SLC45A3 protein (prostein) expression in prostate cancer is associated with SLC45A3-ERG gene rearrangement and an unfavorable clinical course. Perner S, Rupp NJ, Braun M, Rubin MA, Moch H, Dietel M, Wernert N, Jung K, Stephan C, Kristiansen G. Int J Cancer. 2012 Jul 23. PMID: 22821757