The VCaP (Vertebral-Cancer of the Prostate) cell line is an important model in the study of prostate cancer, derived from a vertebral metastasis of a human prostate carcinoma. It was established to provide a relevant in vitro model for researching the biology of prostate cancer and its metastatic process, particularly focusing on hormone-refractory stages of the disease. VCaP cells are known for expressing a high level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and androgen receptor (AR), making them highly relevant for studies on androgen receptor signaling pathways and resistance mechanisms to anti-androgen therapy.

VCaP cells are also utilized extensively in genetic studies, as they harbor the TMPRSS2-ERG gene fusion, a common chromosomal translocation found in approximately 50% of prostate cancer cases. This specific genetic alteration is significant because it is thought to play a crucial role in the progression of prostate cancer. The cells are thus an excellent tool for research aiming to understand the molecular underpinnings of prostate cancer and for the development of new therapeutic strategies targeting TMPRSS2-ERG and related pathways. Moreover, VCaP cells exhibit robust in vitro growth and can form tumors when xenografted in immunodeficient mice, providing a useful system for preclinical studies of new anticancer drugs.

Overall, the VCaP cell line serves as a vital resource for molecular and pharmacological studies, contributing significantly to the understanding of prostate cancer biology and the assessment of new therapeutic agents. Its characteristics, including hormone responsiveness, gene fusion expression, and metastatic origin, make it uniquely suitable for advanced prostate cancer research, particularly in areas related to androgen independence and metastatic disease progression.