THE FUNCTION OF POLIAMINE METABOLISM IN PROSTATE CANCER
N. Palavan-Unsal*, S.M. Aloglu-Senturk, D. Arisan
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Halic University, Istanbul, Turkey
Abstract. In many developed countries prostate cancer is the second leading cause
of cancer related death in human population. Prostate tissue is characterized by the
highest level of polyamines among organs in human body, and it is even higher in prostate
carcinomas. These ubiquitous molecules are synthesized by prostate epithelium and are
involved in many biochemical processes including cell proliferation, cell cycle regulation
and protein synthesis. In this review we made the attempt to discuss the functions of
polyamines, their involvement in apoptosis and potential role as molecular biomarker for
prostate cancer. Also we present recent data on generation of drugs, in particular, cyclin
dependent kinase inhibitor, developed for therapy of prostate cancer.
