AR Alternative Splicing and Prostate Cancer Progression
Abstract
Androgen depletion therapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa) invariably fails, and PCa recurs with an aggressive and lethal castration-resistant (CR) phenotype. Although androgen depletion inhibits activity of the androgen receptor (AR), continued AR function is important for resistance to androgen depletion. Therefore, even though this stage of the disease is often referred to as androgen-independent (AI), CRPCa remains an AR-dependent disease. Recently, alternatively-spliced, COOH-terminally truncated AR isoform variants have been identified in CRPCa cells and clinical tissues. These isoform variants function as constitutively active AR transcription factors that can support the CRPCa phenotype in model systems. The purpose of this project is to understand the mechanisms underlying increased expression and activity of these truncated AR isoform variants in CRPCa. Our work provides the first evidence that structural alterations in the AR gene may underlie disrupted AR splicing patterns at this stage of the disease. This knowledge could lead to better treatments or management of patients with CRPCa.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA612331
Entities
People
- Scott M Dehm
Organizations
- University of Minnesota