A Counterregulatory Mechanism Impacting Androgen Suppression Therapy
Abstract
Testosterone plays a key role in the development, growth, and progression of prostate cancer. Testosterone is synthesized mainly by Leydig cells in the testis. The use of drugs to suppress testosterone production, a treatment termed chemical castration, is a mainstay of therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Unfortunately, these drugs do not adequately suppress testosterone production in a subset of men with prostate cancer, and this compromises their survival. This grant proposal examines molecular mechanisms that may limit the effectiveness of chemical castration therapy. The hypothesis to be tested is that one of the key genes involved in testosterone synthesis, Hsd17b3, is subject to a distinctive form of counter-regulation in Leydig cells. The proposed experiments will be performed using mouse Leydig cells, which are easier to manipulate experimentally than their human counterparts. Ultimately, it is hoped than an improved understanding of the counter-regulatory response will translate into better treatment strategies for men with prostate cancer.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 29, 2016
- Source ID
- W81XWH1510055
Entities
People
- David M Wilson
Organizations
- United States Army
- Washington University in St. Louis