epithelial cell of prostate luminal cell of prostate epithelium 2010-09-20T03:34:05Z Luminal cells of the prostate epithelium are secretory cells in the prostate gland, which is located around the urethra at the base of the bladder. In addition to luminal epithelial cells, the adult prostate contains basal epithelial cells and rare neuroendocrine cells, organized as a pseudostratified epithelium surrounded by stromal cells. The main function of the prostate is to nourish and protect sperm by secreting a slightly alkaline fluid which makes up approximately 30% of the semen. The luminal epithelial cells form a single-layer lining in the prostate's acini. They have a polarized structure with the basal side attached to the basal lamina and the apical side facing the lumen. Specialized microvilli-like structures on the apical side aid in product secretion. Luminal cells express androgen receptors, making them sensitive to androgenic stimulation, which is crucial for regulating prostatic secretions and overall gland function. The prostate's Luminal cells are responsible for producing and releasing prostatic fluid, which supports sperm post-ejaculation. They synthesize key proteins like prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase. Luminal cells are also a focus of prostate cancer research as they are the putative cells-of-origin for the majority of prostate cancers. Overproliferation and persistent damage can lead to the initiation of carcinogenic events within these cells. The PSA produced by luminal cells is also a key biomarker for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating prostate cancer. As such, understanding the health and disease-related functions of these cells is essential for managing prostate conditions. (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.) https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0002340 The exocrine cell of the prostate, this epithelial cell secretes prostatic acid phosphotase and PSA, and is dependent on androgen hormones for survival. https://cdn.humanatlas.io/digital-objects/2d-ftu/prostate-prostate-glandular-acinus/v1.2/assets/2d-ftu-prostate-prostate-glandular-acinus.png Homo sapiens