We found that the double-negative phenotype of castration-resistant prostate cancer (a.k.a. "DNPC") exhibits the same transcriptional features that define basal, club, and hillock epithelial cells of the benign prostate.

KLF5 was identified as the transcription factor that supports these transcriptional features. Defining DNPC by what "it is" (a hybrid basal/club/hillock phenotype), instead of what "it's not" (negative for AR and neuroendocrine features) may aid development of new therapies.

This work was led by a talented graduate student (Sam Pitzen) @umncancer @UMN_GradSchool who will soon be defending his PhD thesis (and entering the job market).

@UMNCancer @UMN_GradSchool This study benefitted from tremendous collaborations with @huang_lab @EAntonarakis @mishabeltran @JoshLangMD @AttardLab and many others!