Abstract
The transcriptional programs regulated through the activity of the androgen receptor (AR) modulate normal prostate development and the maintenance of prostatic functions at maturity. AR signaling also controls key survival and growth functions operative in prostate cancer. Inhibiting the AR program remains the key target in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and suppressing AR also holds great potential for preventing the development or progression of early stage prostate cancer. In this review, we detail molecular mechanisms of AR activity, cellular components contributing to the maintenance of AR signaling despite AR-ligand suppression, and discuss treatment strategies designed to target components of resistance to AR-directed therapeutics.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Androgen Receptor Antagonists / pharmacology
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Androgen Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
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Androgens / biosynthesis
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Androgens / metabolism*
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Androgens / physiology
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Animals
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
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Humans
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Male
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Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / metabolism*
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Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / pathology
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Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / therapy
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Orchiectomy
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Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
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Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
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Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy
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Protein Isoforms / genetics
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Receptors, Androgen / genetics
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Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
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Receptors, Androgen / physiology
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Signal Transduction
Substances
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Androgen Receptor Antagonists
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Androgens
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Protein Isoforms
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Receptors, Androgen