Gland- and cell-level heterogeneity in the prostate: A narrative review of related diseases

Abstract

Because of the anatomical characteristics of the prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) often occurs in the transition zone, whereas prostate cancer (PCa) tends to occur in the peripheral zone. This distribution characteristic indicates that the prostate gland has cell type and distribution heterogeneity. However, the current research cannot answer these questions precisely. As research has progressed, the significance of many newly discovered cell types for the treatment of BPH and PCa has sparked widespread concern. Prostate heterogeneity is closely associated with gland development and formation and the regional distribution of the disease. Prostate heterogeneity can be observed at the gland and cell levels and determines disease distribution, presentation, and characteristics, including changes in the microenvironments of BPH and PCa. Cell population interactions promote disease onset and development; single-cell sequencing techniques may help elucidate specific cell types and gene expression patterns in different prostate zones. The stem cell characteristics of club/hillock cells and the inflammatory environment induced by immune cells offer alternative interpretations of the pathogenic mechanisms of BPH and PCa, and molecular omics studies can help identify novel avenues for treatment development.

Keywords

Prostate / Heterogeneity / Cytology / Anatomy / Benign prostatic hyperplasia / Prostate cancer

Acknowledgments

None.

Statement of ethics

Ethical approval was not required for this narrative review.

Conflict of interest statement

ZB is an associate editor, CL is an editorial board member of Current Urology. They confirm no involvement in any stage of this article's peer-review process, ensuring unbiased editorial decision-making. This article was accepted after normal external review. All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form. All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Funding source

This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant no. 82260362) and Hainan Province Health Science and Technology Innovation Joint Project (grant no. WSJK2024MS196).

Author contributions

GW, ZB, MH: Conception and design;

ZB, MH: Administrative support;

GW, ZB: Provision of study materials or patients;

GW, CL, ZL, JH, YJ: Collection and assembly of data;

GW, ZB, JC, YZ: Data analysis and interpretation;

All authors: Manuscript writing and final approval of manuscript.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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