Johns Hopkins researchers identify cell type linked to prostate enlargement

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have identified a specific population of basal cells that may explain why benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) predominantly affects the transition zone of the prostate. The study, published in The Journal of Pathology, utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze nearly 130,000 non-cancerous cells from various regions of the prostate.

The identified cells, designated as WIF1+ basal cells, were found to be significantly more abundant in the transition zone—the area surrounding the urethra—compared to other regions. These cells exhibit a unique molecular profile and respond to androgen hormones like testosterone, which play a role in prostate development.

According to the research team, the presence of these WIF1+ cells creates a distinct biological microenvironment that facilitates tissue remodeling and cellular communication. This specialized environment appears to make the transition zone more susceptible to the abnormal epithelial and stromal tissue expansion characteristic of BPH. Understanding these cellular mechanisms provides a potential foundation for developing targeted future therapies for the condition, which affects millions of men globally.