ETS transcription factor ELF3 (ESE-1) is a cell cycle regulator in benign and malignant prostate.

This study aimed to elucidate the role of ELF3, an ETS family member in normal prostate growth and prostate cancer. Silencing ELF3 in both benign prostate (BPH-1) and prostate cancer (PC3) cell lines resulted in decreased colony-forming ability, inhibition of cell migration and reduced cell viability due to cell cycle arrest, establishing ELF3 as a cell cycle regulator. Increased ELF3 expression in more advanced prostate tumours was shown by immunostaining of tissue microarrays and from analysis of gene expression and genetic alteration studies. This study indicates that ELF3 functions not only as a part of normal prostate epithelial growth but also as a potential oncogene in advanced prostate cancers.