Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology 219 (2004) 171–180 Genistein alters growth factor signaling in transgenic prostate model (TRAMP)

Genistein, a component of soy, has been reported to protect against spontaneously developing prostate tumors in the transgenic adeno-carcinoma of mouse prostate (TRAMP) model. This is consistent with reports showing that Asians eating a diet high in soy have reduced incidence of clinically manifested prostate cancer. In order to understand the mechanism of action of genistein, we have investigated the expression of androgen and estrogen receptors, four growth factor receptors that signal via tyrosine protein kinases, and specific growth factor proteins in the dorsolateral prostates of TRAMP mice fed 250 mg genistein/kg diet, starting at 5 weeks of age. These analyses were carried out at 12 weeks, prior to the development of solid tumors, allowing us to readily investigate cell proliferation and biomarkers in premalignan