Neurogenesis in Prostate Cancer is driven by Neural Precursors from the Central Nervous System

The development of autonomic nerve fibres in the tumour microenvironment is a pivotal event that regulates prostate cancer initiation and dissemination, but how nerves emerge in tumours is presently unknown. Here we show that Doublecortine-expressing (DCX+) neural precursors from the central nervous system (CNS) infiltrate prostate tumours and differentiate into neo-neurons that contribute to tumour development. In human primary prostate tumours and transgenic mouse cancer tissues, the density of DCX+ neural progenitors is strongly associated with tumour aggressiveness, invasion and recurrence. We found that DCX+ neural precursors egress from the subventricular zone, a neurogenic area of the CNS, and circulate in the blood to reach the tumour where they initiate neurogenesis. Hence, the DCX+ cells in prostate tumour can differentiate into neurons ex vivo and build up a tumour-associated neural network in vivo. Selective genetic depletion of DCX+ cells in mice significantly inhibits the early phases of prostate cancer development, whereas orthotopic transplantation of DCX+ cells purified from prostate tumour or brain tissues promotes tumour growth and cancer cell dissemination. These results unveil a unique crosstalk between the CNS and the tumour that drives a process of neurogenesis necessary for prostate cancer development, and indicate a novel neural element of the tumour microenvironment as a potential target for cancer treatment.