Investigation of the Akt/Pkb Kinase in the Development of Hormone-Independent Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Our laboratory has been interested in the role of Akt in the development of hormone-independent cancers. Using a breast cancer cell model, we previously demonstrated that tumors with a constitutively active Akt are resistant to anti-hormone therapy. In this study we have expanded upon our preliminary observations in the breast model into in vitroprostate cancer models to determine the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying these findings. In our second year of this study, we found that treatment with an Akt inhibitor prevented the progression of LNCaP cells to a state of androgen-independence. These results correlated with suppression of expression of the androgen receptor, as well as suppression of the pro-survival proteins bcl-2 and NF-kB. We are currently exploring the significance of these findings in relationship to the preventive properties of the omega-3 fatty acids. Currently, progression of prostate cancer to androgen independence remains the primary obstacle to improved survival with this disease. The results of our studies suggest that targeting the Akt pathway may provide a strategy for preventing progression, resulting in increased survival among patients with recurrent disease.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA474699
Entities
People
- Linda A. Degraffenried
Organizations
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio