Activation of β-catenin in prostate epithelium induces hyperplasias and squamous transdifferentiation

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critical for normal mammalian development, the specification of epidermal cells and neoplastic transformation of intestinal epithelium. However, precise molecular information regarding cell-specific responses to β-catenin signaling has been limited. This question was addressed using a mouse model in which exon 3 of the β-catenin gene was deleted in several cell types with loxP-mediated recombination utilizing a Cre transgene under control of the mouse mammary tumor virus-long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR). The stabilization of β-catenin in prostate epithelium resulted in hyperplasias and extensive transdifferentiation into epidermal-like structures, which expressed keratins 1 and 6, filaggrin, loricrin and involucrin. The cell-specific loss of NKCC1 protein and reduced nuclear Stat5a is further suggestive of a loss of prostate epithelial characteristics. In addition to the prostate, hyperplasias and squamous metaplasias were detected in epithelia of the epididymis, vas deferens, coagulating gland, preputial gland and salivary gland. However, and in contrast to a recent study, no lesions reminiscent of high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia were detected. Since β-catenin was activated in several cell types and impinged upon the viability of these mice, it was not possible to evaluate the cumulative effect over more than 3 months. To assess long-term consequences of β-catenin activation, mutant and control prostate tissues were transplanted into the mammary fat pads of wild-type males. Notably, squamous metaplasias, intra-acinous hyperplasia and possible neoplastic transformation were observed after a total of 18 weeks of β-catenin stimulation. This suggests that the transdifferentiation into squamous metaplasias is an early response of endoderm-derived cells to β-catenin, and that the development of intra-acinous hyperplasias or neoplastic foci is a later event.