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ADAR1 Function and Therapeutic Potential in Prostate Cancer

Verk, Lisbeth (2025) MOBN03 20242
Degree Projects in Molecular Biology
Popular Abstract
ADAR1 as a Therapeutic Target in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. While early-stage prostate cancer can be managed effectively, once it spreads, treatment options are limited and usually not curative. Immunotherapy, which boosts the immune system to fight cancer, has been effective in some cancer types but not in prostate cancer. Our project explored whether targeting a specific enzyme called ADAR1 could boost the immune system’s ability to fight prostate cancer.

ADAR1 is an enzyme that edits RNA in our cells, helping the immune system recognise them as “safe” and not a threat. Interestingly, many cancer types, including prostate cancer, have higher... (More)
ADAR1 as a Therapeutic Target in Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. While early-stage prostate cancer can be managed effectively, once it spreads, treatment options are limited and usually not curative. Immunotherapy, which boosts the immune system to fight cancer, has been effective in some cancer types but not in prostate cancer. Our project explored whether targeting a specific enzyme called ADAR1 could boost the immune system’s ability to fight prostate cancer.

ADAR1 is an enzyme that edits RNA in our cells, helping the immune system recognise them as “safe” and not a threat. Interestingly, many cancer types, including prostate cancer, have higher levels of ADAR1, which may help tumours hide from the immune system. We investigated if blocking ADAR1 could help the immune system recognise and attack prostate cancer cells.

To test this, we first measured ADAR1 levels in prostate cancer cell lines and found that all cancer cell lines had higher levels of ADAR1 compared to healthy prostate cells, suggesting that ADAR1 might be a promising therapeutic target.

Next, we manipulated ADAR1 levels in prostate cancer cells, either by silencing or overexpressing it, and used a technique called RNA-Sequencing to examine changes in gene expression. Although we didn’t see strong activation of immune signalling, we did observe signs of cellular stress, which could have therapeutic relevance.

We also studied how ADAR1 affects communication between cancer cells and immune cells by examining the secretion of small signalling proteins called cytokines and chemokines from the cancer cells. When we blocked ADAR1, we saw an increase in inflammatory signals and a decrease in signals that suppress the immune system. These early findings hint that blocking ADAR1 could influence immune signalling in prostate cancer cells. One interesting finding was a chemokine called DKK-1. When ADAR1 was silenced in bone metastasis cells, they released higher levels of DKK-1. This chemokine is known to promote cancer growth and inhibit bone formation. These findings suggest that ADAR1 has a complex role in prostate cancer and more research is needed to understand its full impact.

In summary, our study indicates that ADAR1 influences both prostate cancer cell behaviour and their communication with the immune system, highlighting its potential as a promising therapeutic target. However, since our work focused solely on cell lines, further research using more realistic models is needed to fully understand ADAR1’s role in prostate cancer progression and immune regulation.

Master’s Degree Project in Molecular Biology 60 credits 2025
Department of Biology, Lund University

Advisor: Yvonne Ceder
Department of Laboratory Medicine (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Verk, Lisbeth
supervisor
organization
course
MOBN03 20242
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
language
English
id
9214833
date added to LUP
2025-11-03 15:46:38
date last changed
2025-11-03 15:46:38
@misc{9214833,
  author       = {{Verk, Lisbeth}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{ADAR1 Function and Therapeutic Potential in Prostate Cancer}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}