part of part of duct epithelial cell basal epithelial cell of prostatic duct 2010-09-07T01:59:12Z Basal epithelial cells of the prostatic duct are unique cell types found within the prostate gland of mammals. The prostatic duct forms a significant part of the prostate's glandular architecture, facilitating the secretion and flow of prostatic fluid. These basal cells are positioned at the base of the prostatic epithelium, forming a layer beneath luminal cells and adjacent to the basement membrane. Functionally, they play a significant role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, managing secretory activities, and contributing to the overall biological functions of the prostate. These basal epithelial cells exhibit a high degree of differentiation. Morphologically, they are characterized by their low columnar or cuboidal shape and exhibit less cytoplasm compared to luminal epithelial cells. A notable feature is their high nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio and the presence of prominent nucleoli. On a molecular level, these cells are known to express certain distinct markers such as cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and p63, differentiating them from other prostatic cells. The basal epithelial cells of the prostatic duct also serve as a reserve cell population for the regeneration of the prostate epithelium, particularly upon injury or disease, indicating their role in tissue repair and regrowth. Importantly, these cells are also considered as the cells-of-origin in prostate cancer due to their extended lifespan and genomic stability. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) A cell that constitutes the basal layer of epithelium in the prostatic duct. FMA:74226 https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002236 basal cell of prostate epithelium prostate duct