Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in Western countries. Although various treatment options have been available, most of the patients have frequently observed recurrence even in successful initial treatment. These symptoms indicated an incurable prostate cancer treatment-resistant state. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of prostate cancer stem-like cells (PCSCs) and their formation of the Lncap spheres. PCSCs were enriched from prostate cancer Lncap cells in serum-free medium. Lncap stem-like cells displayed resistance against the hydros-induced apoptosis during the formation of spheres. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that these cells of Lncap spheres are mostly composed of G0-G1 phase cells. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry staining showed high expressions of Wnt/β-catenin and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in the Lncap sphere differentiate into cells, indicating the characteristic of Lncap spheres “stemness” during the development of apoptosis resistance. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of PCSCs resistant against chemotherapy.

The underlying mechanism of PCSCs against hydros-induced apoptosis was mostly attributed to their highly expressed Wnt/β-catenin during the formation of spheres.