Co-downregulation of GRP78 and GRP94 induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in prostate cancer cells

Background: Both glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78) and glucose-regulated protein 94 kDa (GRP94) are important molecular chaperones that play critical roles in maintaining tumor survival and progression. This study investigated the effects in prostate cancer cells following the downregulation of GRP78 and GRP94. Methods: RNA interference was used to downregulate GRP78 and GRP94 expression in the prostate cancer cell line, PC-3. The effects on apoptosis and cell migration was examined along with expression of these related proteins. Results: Small interfering RNAs targeting GRP78 and GRP94 successfully downregulated their expression. This resulted in the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell migration. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that caspase-9 (cleaved) and Bax expression levels were upregulated while Bcl-2 and vimentin expression levels were downregulated. Conclusion: Co-downregulation of GRP78 and GRP94 expression induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in prostate cancer cells.