Potential Biomarker For Prostate Cancer Research Articles

99 Serum Cytokine Profiling as a Potential Biomarker in Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer: An Exploratory Study

99 Serum Cytokine Profiling as a Potential Biomarker in Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer: An Exploratory Study

Long noncoding RNA HOTTIP overexpression: A potential prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer

HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), which is >200 nucleotides in length. HOTTIP expression has been demonstrated to play a crucial oncogenic role in cancer pathogenesis, and is said to be associated with poor human cancer prognosis. In prostate cancer, HOTTIP has been identified as an oncogene, but its clinicopathologic significance remains unclear. Array-based qRT-PCR was used to investigate lncRNA levels in 10 pairs of prostate cancer tissues and non-neoplastic parenchyma. Tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed using a total of 70 surgically resected prostatic adenocarcinoma tissues obtained from the Korea University Anam Hospital from 2009 to 2013. HOTTIP expression was determined by RNA in situ hybridization(ISH) and was correlated with clinicopathologic features. Increased HOTTIP expression was observed in all available prostate cancer tissue specimens compared with that in paired normal tissue. High HOTTIP expression was positively associated with bad clinicopathologic features, including higher pathologic T stage (p < 0.001), presence of extraprostatic extension (p < 0.001), seminal vesicle invasion (p < 0.001), perineural invasion (p < 0.001), and the tumor involvement of resection margin (p = 0.044). In particular, significantly increased HOTTIP expression was observed in specimens from patients in the high or very high-risk group, according to the 2018 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (p < 0.001). Also, patients with high HOTTIP expression showed poorer overall survival than those with low expression. In conclusion, we analytically validated the poor prognostic significance of HOTTIP overexpression and its association with bad clinicopathologic features, and present HOTTIP as a potential prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer.

Identification of potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. The aim of the present study was to determine potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PCa. The GSE103512 dataset was downloaded, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses of DEGs were performed. The result of GO analysis suggested that the DEGs were mostly enriched in ‘carboxylic acid catabolic process’, ‘cell apoptosis’, ‘cell proliferation’ and ‘cell migration’. KEGG analysis results indicated that the DEGs were mostly concentrated in ‘metabolic pathways’, ‘ECM-receptor interaction’, the ‘PI3K-Akt pathway’ and ‘focal adhesion’. The PPI analysis results showed that Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1), melanoma inhibitory activity member 3 (MIA3), ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) and G protein subunit β2 (GNB2) were the key genes in PCa, and the Module analysis revealed that they were associated with ‘ECM-receptor interaction’, ‘focal adhesion’, the ‘PI3K-Akt pathway’ and the ‘metabolic pathway’. Subsequently, the gene expression was confirmed using Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and the Human Protein Atlas. The results demonstrated that GOLM1 and ACLY expression was significantly upregulated (P<0.05) in PCa compared with that in normal tissues. Receiver operating characteristic and survival analyses were performed. The results showed that area under the curve values of these genes all exceeded 0.85, and high expression of these genes was associated with poor survival in patients with PCa. In conclusion, this study identified GOLM1 and ACLY in PCa, which may be potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of PCa.

Serum Lysophosphatidic Acid as a Potential Biomarker of Prostate Cancer

Background: According to statistical data, prostate cancer is the most prevalent tumor in men worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. This cancer changes many factors in the blood of patients. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) levels in the serum of patients with prostate cancer. Methods: After collecting blood samples from 20 healthy individuals and 20 patients with prostate cancer, serum was separated from each sample. Then, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was applied to measure the serum LPA. The obtained data were statistical analyzed by SPSS V. 24 software. Results: The results of this study showed that the mean BMI of the prostate cancer group was significantly lower than the control group (respectively 22.56 ± 0.53 and 24.49 ± 0.62) (P = 0.023); in addition, the LPA level (nmol/mL) in the serum of the patients was significantly higher than healthy subjects (respectively 2.714 ± 0.054 and 2.467 ± 0.097) (P = 0.037). Conclusions: The results showed that the serum LPA levels increased in prostate cancer, suggesting that lysophosphatidic acid may be considered as a biomarker in this cancer and will take part in the adjustment of the prostate cancer cells functions as a paracrine/autocrine mediator. This will be involved in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of prostate cancer.

Exosomes Carrying microRNA-205 from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Suppress the Progression of Prostate Cancer

Background: Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) are engaged in cancer initiation and metastasis, sometimes by releasing exosomes that mediate cell communication by delivering microRNAs (miRNAs). The study aims to investigate effects of exosomal miR-205 derived from hBMSCs on prostate cancer cell functions. Methods: Microarray analysis was adopted to predict interaction between RHPN2 and miR-205 in prostate cancer, which was further confirmed using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. The levels of miR-205 and RHPN2 in prostate cancer were quantified. Prostate cancer cells were exposed to exosomes derived from hBMSCs that were treated with either miR-205 mimic or miR-205 inhibitor. Subsequently, prostate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were detected in vitro. The effects of hBMSCs-miR-205 on RHPN2 level and tumor growth were investigated in vivo. Results: miR-205 was downregulated while RHPN2 was upregulated in prostate cancer. Additionally, restoring miR-205 inhibited prostate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and promoted apoptosis by targeting RHPN2. Next, experiments demonstrated that hBMSCs-derived exosomes secreting miR-205 contributed to a repressed prostate cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and an enhanced apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of hBMSCs-derived exosomes carrying miR-205 on prostate cancer. Conclusion: Collectively, our study demonstrates that hBMSCs-derived exosomes with miR-205 alleviate prostate cancer by regulating RHPN2, which provides a potential treatment biomarker for prostate cancer. Funding Statement: This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81001146) and the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province, China (No. 2017A020215168). Declaration of Interests: The authors report no conflict of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: All patients enrolled in the study signed informed consent documentation. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University. All procedures of animal experiments were in line with the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

RRBP1 is highly expressed in prostate cancer and correlates with prognosis.

Objective: Recently, ribosome binding protein 1 (RRBP1) is reported to be involved in tumorigenesis. However, the expression and clinical significance of RRBP1 in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the expression and clinical significance of RRBP1 in PCa. Materials and methods: RRBP1 expression was firstly detected in 6 cases of PCa and matched adjacent non-cancerous prostate tissues by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Then, RRBP1 expression was further detected in 127 cases of PCa and 40 cases of non-cancerous prostate tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship of RRBP1 with clinical-pathological characters and patients’ prognosis was analyzed in PCa.Results: RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis showed that RRBP1 expression levels in PCa tissues were significantly higher compared with those in matched adjacent non-cancerous prostate tissues. IHC results shown that the high-expression rate of RRBP1 in PCa was 69.3%, which was significantly greater than those in non-cancerous prostate tissues (15.0%, P<0.001). RRBP1 expression was significantly associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, PSA and Gleason score in PCa. Survival analysis indicated that patients with RRBP1 low-expression presented longer survival time compared with those with RRBP1 high-expression. Moreover, RRBP1 as well as T stage, lymph node metastasis and Gleason score could serve as independent prognostic factors in PCa.Conclusion: RRBP1 is highly expressed in PCa and correlates with prognosis, which may serve as a potential biomarker in PCa.

A novel and sensitive sarcosine biosensor based on organic electrochemical transistor

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are successfully used for sensitive and selective detection of sarcosine, which is recognized as a potential non-invasive specific biomarker for prostate cancer. The sensitivity and selectivity of OECT-based sarcosine sensors are significantly improved by modifying sarcosine oxidase (SOx) on platinum-plated anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) gate electrodes. The device with Nafion-SOx/Pt/AAO gate electrode shows the excellent sensing performance and the sarcosine can be detected in a linear range from 50 nM to 100 μM with a detection limit of 50 nM, which is satisfied with the clinical range of prostate cancer levels in human urine (20 nM–5 μM) and much lower than that of conventional electrochemical methods. Meanwhile, the selectivity of the sensor is also well proved. This work indicates a novel OECT-based sarcosine biosensor with high sensitivity and selectivity for the first time, which has the prospect of a wide range of routine testing.

Research status and progress of the RNA or protein biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is a kind of male malignancy. Recently, a large number of studies have reported many potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer. In this literature review, we have collected a number of potential biomarkers for prostate cancer reported in the last 5 years. Among them, some are undergoing Phase III clinical trials, and others have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, most are still in the period of basic research. The review will contribute to future research to find the biomarkers to guide clinicians to make personalized treatment decisions for each prostate cancer patient.

PT143 - Apparent diffusion coefficient ratio between tumor and nontumor as a potential imaging biomarker for prostate cancer

PT143 - Apparent diffusion coefficient ratio between tumor and nontumor as a potential imaging biomarker for prostate cancer

Cross-Kingdom Gene regulation via miRNAs of Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) flower dietetically absorbed: An in silico approach to define potential biomarkers for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most frequent type of cancer in men. Hypericum perforatum (H. Perforatum) extract (HPE) administration provides remarkable decrease of PCa development. H. perforatum contains 7 conserved miRNAs (Hyp-miR-156a, Hyp-miR-156b, Hyp-miR-166, Hyp-miR-390, Hyp-miR-394, Hyp-miR-396 and Hyp-miR-414) with different targets. In this study, we aimed to investigate cross-kingdom gene regulation via miRNAs of H. perforatum flower dietetically absorbed in manner of an in silico approach to define potential biomarkers for PCa. psRNATarget database was used to find human genes targeted by 7 pre-defined H. perforatum miRNAs. We defined the mostly affected gene families from these miRNAs as ZNF, TMEM, SLC and FAM gene families. GeneMANIA database was used to define the most affected genes (TMEM41B and SLC4A7) from these 7 miRNAs. cBioPortal database was used to define alteration frequencies of TMEM41B and SLC4A7 on different types of PCa and to measure the mutual interaction potency and significance of co-occurence in PCa. This analysis showed that neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) had the highest total mutation frequency (22%) of TMEM41B and SLC4A7 genes. Also, TMEM41B and SLC4A7 genes had an average 2.1% pathway change potential among all different types of PCa. Moreover, TMEM41B and SLC4A7 gene pair was found significantly co-occurrent in PCa (p < 0.001). Finally, via GEPIA database, we used Spearman correlation analysis to measure the correlation degree of TMEM41B and SLC4A7 genes in PCa and found their significant correlation with PCa (p = 1.2 × 10−12, R = 0.28). All in all, it was proved in silico and supported with previously known clinical data that SLC4A7 and TMEM41B potentially have a significant and critical tumor suppressive role for PCa, and show this effect combinatorily working together. This is the first study correlating SLC4A7 and TMEM41B with PCa significantly.

Towards sarcosine determination in urine for prostatic carcinoma detection

Sarcosine, a potential biomarker for prostate cancer, can be detected in a solid state enzyme based biosensor using sarcosine oxidase, with particle immobilised reagents. A novel fusion protein of the fluorescent protein, mCherry, sarcosine oxidase (SOx), and the polypeptide R5 (R52-mCherry-SOx-R5-6 H), was explored, which allowed self-immobilization on silica microparticles and long-term (90 days +) retention of activity, even at room temperature. In contrast, commercial wildtype SOx lost activity in a few days. A silica-R52-mCherry-SOx-R5-6H microparticle sensor for determination of sarcosine in urine, linked the SOx coproduct, H2O2, to a measurement catalysed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilised on silica, in the presence of Amplex Ultrared (AR) to generate fluorescence at 582 nm. Silica microparticles carrying all the reagents (R52-mCherry-SOx-R5-6H, HRP and AR) were used to produce a silica-microparticle biosensor which responded to sarcosine at micromolar levels. Interference by amino acids and uric acid was examined and it was found that the silica-reagent carrying system could be calibrated in urine and responded across the clinically relevant concentration range. This contrasted with similar assays using commercial SOx, where interference inhibited the sarcosine signal measurement in urine. The microparticle biosensor was tested in urine from healthy volunteers and prostate cancer patients, showing higher concentrations of sarcosine in cancer patients consistent with previous reports of elevated sarcosine levels.

Screening, identification of prostate cancer urinary biomarkers and verification of important spots.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been widely used as the unique serum biomarker for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). When PSA is moderately increased (e.g., 4-10ng/ml), it is difficult to differentiate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from cancer. The diagnostic test (i.e., prostate biopsy) is invasive, adding pain and economic burden to the patient. Urine samples are more convenient, non-invasive and readily available than blood. We sought to determine whether ferritin might be the potential urinary biomarker in prostate cancer diagnosis. Using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) followed by mass spectrometry (MS), differentially expressed urinary proteins among patients with PCa, BPH and normal controls were obtained. The ferritin heavy chain (FTH) gene, ferritin light chain (FTL) gene and protein expression of BPH-1 cells and PC-3 cells were analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Stable FTH or FTL silenced cell lines were generated by small hairpin(sh) RNA lentiviral transfection. The function of the cell lines was evaluated by the colony formation assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Compared with BPH and normal controls, 15 overexpressed proteins, including FTH and FTL, were identified in the urine of the PCa group. FTH and FTL were also highly expressed in PC-3 cell lines compared with BPH-1 cells. FTH-silenced cells showed reduced cell proliferation, migration and increased cell apoptosis. FTL-silenced cells showed increased proliferation and migration abilities. There are differences in urinary proteins among patients with PCa, BPH and normal controls. FTH and FTL play different roles in PCa cells and are potential biomarkers for PCa.

Genetic variants in RTEL1 influencing telomere length are associated with prostate cancer risk.

Telomere length measured in lymphocytes has been evaluated as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) risk. Identifying genetic variants that affect telomere length and testing their association with disease could clarify any causal role. We therefore investigated associations between genetic variants in three telomere length-related genes and PCa risk in a case-control study. The influence of these variants on the leukocyte telomere lengths was then appraised by real-time PCR. RTEL1 rs2297441 [odds ratio (OR): 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.46, P = 0.021] and rs3208008 (OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.03-1.46) were associated with PCa risk. These two risk single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.39-0.89, P = 0.012 and OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.38-0.87, P = 0.009, respectively) and another SNP PARP1 rs1136410 (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.01-2.31, P = 0.043) were also associated with leukocyte telomere length. These findings support that genetic determinants of telomere length may influence PCa risk.

Transcriptomics Signature from Next-Generation Sequencing Data Reveals New Transcriptomic Biomarkers Related to Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among Canadian men. Next-generation sequencing using RNA-Seq provides large amounts of data that may reveal novel and informative biomarkers. We introduce a method that uses machine learning techniques to identify transcripts that correlate with prostate cancer development and progression. We have isolated transcripts that have the potential to serve as prognostic indicators and may have tremendous value in guiding treatment decisions. Analysis of normal versus malignant prostate cancer data sets indicates differential expression of the genes HEATR5B, DDC, and GABPB1-AS1 as potential prostate cancer biomarkers. Our study also supports PTGFR, NREP, SCARNA22, DOCK9, FLVCR2, IK2F3, USP13, and CLASP1 as potential biomarkers to predict prostate cancer progression, especially between stage II and subsequent stages of the disease.

MicroRNA-107 inhibits proliferation of prostate cancer cells by targeting cyclin E1.

Previous studies have reported that miR-107 could be utilized as a potential peripheral biomarker in prostate cancer (PCa). However, the specific functions of miR-107 in prostate cancer and its relevant mechanisms are still unknown. The aim of this research was to investigate the cellular functions of miR-107 in PCa and reveal the relevant mechanisms. MicroRNA tailing quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was adopted to measure the expression of miR-107 in PCa cell line DU145 and PC3, as well as in normal prostate cell line RWPE-1. The miR-107 expression pattern in PCa tissues and paired peritumoral tissues were determined by Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization (CISH). Cell viability, colony formation, flow cytometry cell cycle and apoptosis, wound healing and Transwell migration assays were performed to study the miR-107 functions in PCa cells. Further, qRT-PCR, western blot analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were conducted to verify the target of miR-107 in PCa. Results demonstrated that miR-107 was downregulated in PCa cells and tissues in comparison with normal prostate cells and peritumoral tissues, and the over-expression of miR-107 suppressed proliferation and induced G1/S arrest of PCa cells but had no effects on apoptosis or cell motility of PCa cells. MiR-107 was found to target cyclin E1 (CCNE1) in PCa cells by directly binding to its 3'-UTR. In conclusion, miR-107 could be a potential tumor suppressor in PCa, and the restoration of miR-107 might provide a new therapeutic option for PCa.

Colorimetric detection of PCA3 in urine for prostate cancer diagnosis using thiol-labeled PCR primer and unmodified gold nanoparticles

BackgroundPCA3, a non-coding RNA, has been approved as a potential urinary biomarker for prostate cancer. However, PCA3 urine tests have some limitations. Therefore, we developed a colorimetric method for PCA3 detection in urine. MethodsThe assay was based on interactions between unmodified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and thiolated PCR products. Thiolated PCR products were amplified by RT-PCR using a thiol-labeled primer at the 5′ end. Thiolated products of PCA3 bound to the surface of AuNPs and led to the prevention of salt-induced aggregation (red color). In the absence of the PCR products, AuNPs changed their color from red to blue due to the salt-induced aggregation. These changes were detected by the naked eye and spectrophotometer. ResultsOur assay was specific for PCA3 in prostate cancer cell lines with a visual detection limit of 31.25 ng/reaction. The absorption ratio 520/640 nm was linear against PCR product concentration (R2 = 0.9798) in the reaction. This method is promising for discrimination of prostate cancer patients from both healthy controls and benign prostatic hyperplasia patients according to their urinary PCA3 expression levels. ConclusionsThis study established a simple, rapid, sensitive and specific assay for PCA3 detection which may be applicable for prostate cancer diagnosis.

Identification of Potential miRNAs Biomarkers for High-Grade Prostate Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis.

The increasing number of datasets available in the GEO database offers a new approach to identify new miRNAs related to PCa. The aim of our study was to suggest a miRNA signature for the detection of high-grade PCa (Gleason score ≥ 7) using bioinformatics tools. Three mRNA datasets (GSE26022, GSE30521, GSE46602) were selected to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in high-grade PCa. Furthermore, two miRNA datasets (GSE45604, GSE46738) were analyzed to select the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Functional and pathway enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID and a protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed through STRING. Besides, miRNAs which regulate hub genes were predicted using microRNA.org . A total of 973 DEGs were identified after the analyses of the mRNA datasets, enriched in key mechanisms underlying PCa development. Furthermore, we identified 10 hub genes (EGFR, VEGFA, IGF1, PIK3R1, CD44, ITGB4, ANXA1, BCL2, LPAR3, LPAR1). The most significant KEGG Pathway was PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, involved in cell proliferation and survival. Moreover, we identified 30 common miRNAs between significant DEMs and the predicted hub gene regulators. Twelve of these miRNAs (miR-1, -365, -132, -195, -133a, -133b, -200c, -339, -222, -21, -221, -708) regulate two or more hub genes identified in our study. We suggested a signature including these 12 miRNAs for high-grade PCa detection. These miRNAs have been associated with aggressive PCa, poor survival and resistance to treatment in the last years.

Simultaneous determination of sarcosine and its related metabolites by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for prostate cancer diagnosis.

Shortly after sarcosine was delineated as a potential biomarker for prostate cancer in 2009, a variety of analytical methods for clinical application were developed. Moreover, higher uptake of glycine in the mitochondria also played a role in cancer proliferation. A major constraint in the accurate quantification of sarcosine was the interference of the two isomers, α-alanine and β-alanine, using chromatographic separation techniques. Accordingly, we aimed to develop an analytical method for determining sarcosine and its related metabolites (α- and β-alanine, glycine and creatinine) under the same conditions by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). BSTFA + 1 % TMCS was used for silylation, and GC-MS/MS conditions were optimized for the target analytes. The unique transition ions of sarcosine, α- and β-alanine, glycine and creatinine set up in MRM acquisition were m/z 116 → 73, 190 → 147, 176 → 147, 176 → 147 and 100 → 73, respectively. This newly developed method was successfully validated to apply in clinical settings with low limits of detection (0.01 - 0.03 µg•mL-1), high correlations (R2 > 0.99), great accuracy (88 - 110 % recovery), and notable precision (RSD < 10 %). All TMS derivatives were > 80 % stable for up to 2 h after derivatization and analyzing during this period promises to achieve an accurate result. Monitoring the five-substance profile could enhance prospects for early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Liquid Biopsy Potential Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men worldwide with an incidence of 14.8% and a mortality of 6.6%. Shortcomings in comprehensive medical check-ups in low- and middle-income countries lead to delayed detection of PCa and are causative of high numbers of advanced PCa cases at first diagnosis. The performance of available biomarkers is still insufficient and limited applicability, including logistical and financial burdens, impedes comprehensive implementation into health care systems. There is broad agreement on the need of new biomarkers to improve (i) early detection of PCa, (ii) risk stratification, (iii) prognosis, and (iv) treatment monitoring. This review focuses on liquid biopsy tests distinguishing high-grade significant (Gleason score (GS) ≥ 7) from low-grade indolent PCa. Available biomarkers still lack performance in risk stratification of biopsy naïve patients. However, biomarkers with highly negative predictive values may help to reduce unnecessary biopsies. Risk calculators using integrative scoring systems clearly improve decision-making for invasive prostate biopsy. Emerging biomarkers have the potential to substitute PSA and improve the overall performance of risk calculators. Until then, PSA should be used and may be replaced whenever enough evidence has accumulated for better performance of a new biomarker.

Amino-Substituted 2,2'-Bipyridine Ligands as Fluorescent Indicators for ZnII and Applications for Fluorescence Imaging of Prostate Cells.

ZnII concentrations in malignant prostate tissues are much lower than in benign or healthy, suggesting that ZnII levels are a potential biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa). Five 2,2'-bipyridine ligands were synthesized containing amino substituents with varying electron-donating ability for investigation as fluorescent ZnII indicators. The excited state characteristics of the ligands were explored by UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. 3,3'-Diamino-2,2'-bipyridine (1) was previously shown to be weakly fluorescent as a result of π→π* transitions. The other four ligands have properties consistent with an n→π* intraligand charge transfer excited state. Strongly donating amino and aminophenyl (2 and 4) substituents gave low quantum yields, while weaker donating benzimidazole substituents (6 and 7) gave high quantum yields. Absorption and fluorescence wavelengths underwent bathochromic shifts upon ZnII binding in a majority of cases. Quantum yields drastically increased upon ZnII binding for 1 and 2, but decreased for 4, 6, and 7. Compounds 6 and 7 were incubated with PC-3, DU 145 and BPH-1 cells to determine their ZnII sensing abilities in a biological system. Weak fluorescence was observed in BPH-1 cells and subsequent incubation with ZnII caused fluorescence intensity to increase. No fluorescence was observed in PCa cell lines. Further investigation of these ligands may allow for quantitative determination of ZnII concentrations in ex vivo tissue samples.