Analyzing the Mutational Landscape of Prostate Cancer Susceptibility Genes through Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Analysis

Prostate cancer, a significant public health concern, exhibits a complex genetic landscape influenced by a variety of susceptibility genes. This study deciphers the intricate genetic makeup of prostate cancer by examining mutations in 14 prostate cancer susceptibility genes. The Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach was employed on a cohort of 45 prostate cancer patients to detect mutations. The gnomAD database was used to analyze mutational frequencies in the Asian population suffering from prostate cancer. The cBioPortal database was employed to check the presence of observed mutations in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. In addition, this study employed RT-qPCR and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques were utilized to check the functional consequences of the observed pathogenic mutations. Finally, Metascape and DrugBank resources were used for gene enrichment and drug prediction analyses. Results of the NGS analysis revealed a total of 29 mutations (pathogenic and benign) within the examined prostate cancer cohort, distributed across four key genes (BRCA1/2, TP53, and PMS2) out of the total analyzed 14 genes. Pathogenic mutations in BRCA1/2 and TP53 genes are of particular interest due to their fundamental roles in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, and tumor suppression. Functional consequence analyses (RT-qPCR and IHC) demonstrated the down-regulation of BRCA1/2 and TP53 genes in prostate cancer samples with pathogenic mutations, reinforcing the disruption of their tumor suppressor roles. Lastly, drug prediction analysis uncovered promising therapeutic options by identifying drugs capable of enhancing the mRNA expression of these genes. This opens new avenues for tailored treatment strategies aimed at restoring normal cellular functions of the BRCA1/2 and TP53 genes. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive view of genetic mutations in prostate cancer susceptibility genes, ranging from benign to pathogenic. It emphasizes the genetic complexity of prostate cancer and offers insights into potential mechanisms driving this malignancy. These findings lay the groundwork for further research, personalized treatment approaches, and enhanced clinical management of prostate cancer.