NOX5 NAD(P)H oxidase regulates growth and apoptosis in DU 145 prostate cancer cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) appear to play an important role in regulating growth and survival of prostate cancer. However, the sources for ROS production in prostate cancer cells have not been determined. We report that ROS are generated by intact American Type Culture Collection DU 145 cells and by their membranes through a mechanism blocked by NAD(P) H oxidase inhibitors. ROS are critical for growth in these cells, because NAD(P) H oxidase inhibitors and antioxidants blocked proliferation. Components of the human phagocyte NAD(P) H oxidase, p22(phox) and gp91(phox), as well as the Ca2+ concentration-responsive gp91(phox) homolog NOX5 were demonstrated in DU 145 cells by RT-PCR and sequencing. Although the protein product for p22(phox) was not detectable, both gp91(phox) and NOX5 were identified throughout the cell by immunostaining and confocal microscopy and NOX5 immunostaining was enhanced in a perinuclear location, corresponding to enhanced ROS production adjacent to the nuclear membrane imaged by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate oxidation. The calcium ionophore ionomycin dramatically stimulated ferricytochrome c reduction in cell media, further supporting the importance of NOX5 for ROS production. Antisense oligonucleotides for NOX5 inhibited ROS production and cell proliferation in DU 145 cells. In contrast, antisense oligonucleotides to p22(phox) or gp91(phox) did not impair cell growth. Inhibition of ROS generation with antioxidants or NAD(P) H oxidase inhibitors increased apoptosis in cells. These results indicate that ROS generated by the newly described NOX5 oxidase are essential for prostate cancer growth, possibly by providing trophic intracellular oxidant tone that retards programmed cell death.