Covered on Genetics Home Reference: prostate cancerFrom NCBI Gene: Malignant tumor of prostateBarrett's esophagusFrom UniProt: Barrett esophagus (BE): A condition characterized by a metaplastic change in which normal esophageal squamous epithelium is replaced by a columnar and intestinal-type epithelium. Patients with Barrett esophagus have an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma. The main cause of Barrett esophagus is gastroesophageal reflux. The retrograde movement of acid and bile salts from the stomach into the esophagus causes prolonged injury to the esophageal epithelium and induces chronic esophagitis, which in turn is believed to trigger the pathologic changes. [MIM:614266] Prostate cancer (PC): A malignancy originating in tissues of the prostate. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas that develop in the acini of the prostatic ducts. Other rare histopathologic types of prostate cancer that occur in approximately 5% of patients include small cell carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma, prostatic ductal carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma (basaloid), signet-ring cell carcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma. [MIM:176807]

     From NCBI Gene: This gene encodes the class A macrophage scavenger receptors, which include three different types (1, 2, 3) generated by alternative splicing of this gene. These receptors or isoforms are macrophage-specific trimeric integral membrane glycoproteins and have been implicated in many macrophage-associated physiological and pathological processes including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and host defense. The isoforms type 1 and type 2 are functional receptors and are able to mediate the endocytosis of modified low density lipoproteins (LDLs). The isoform type 3 does not internalize modified LDL (acetyl-LDL) despite having the domain shown to mediate this function in the types 1 and 2 isoforms. It has an altered intracellular processing and is trapped within the endoplasmic reticulum, making it unable to perform endocytosis. The isoform type 3 can inhibit the function of isoforms type 1 and type 2 when co-expressed, indicating a dominant negative effect and suggesting a mechanism for regulation of scavenger receptor activity in macrophages. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008] From UniProt: Membrane glycoproteins implicated in the pathologic deposition of cholesterol in arterial walls during atherogenesis. Two types of receptor subunits exist. These receptors mediate the endocytosis of a diverse group of macromolecules, including modified low density lipoproteins (LDL). Isoform III does not internalize acetylated LDL.

The following transcription factors affect gene expression:

• PPAR-gamma1
• PPAR-gamma2
• AP-1
• c-Jun
• PPAR-alpha

Tissue specificity:

Isoform I, isoform II and isoform III are expressed in monocyte-derived macrophages.

Molecular Function:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle Binding
• Scavenger Receptor Activity

Biological Processes:

• Cellular Response To Organic Cyclic Compound
• Cholesterol Transport
• Lipoprotein Transport
• Plasma Lipoprotein Particle Clearance
• Positive Regulation Of Cholesterol Storage
• Positive Regulation Of Macrophage Derived Foam Cell Differentiation
• Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis