Poly (A) Binding Protein Cytoplasmic 1 Is a Novel Co-Regulator of the Androgen Receptor

PLoS One. 2015 Jul 15;10(7):e0128495. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128495. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

The androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid receptor superfamily that regulates gene expression in a ligand-dependent manner. The NTD of the AR plays a key role in AR transactivation including androgen-independent activation of the AR in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) cells. We recently reported that amino acids (a.a.) 50-250 of the NTD are capable of modulating AR nucleocytoplasmic trafficking. To further explore the mechanism associated with a.a. 50-250, GFP pull-down assays were performed in C4-2 CRPC cells transfected with GFP tagged a.a. 50-250 of the AR. Mass spectrometry analysis of the pulled down proteins identified poly (A) binding protein cytoplasmic 1 (PABPC1) interaction with this region of the AR. In silico analysis of gene expression data revealed PABPC1 up-regulation in prostate cancer tissue specimens and this up-regulation correlates to increased disease recurrence. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the association of PABPC1 with a.a. 50-250 of the NTD of the AR. Knockdown of PABPC1 decreased nuclear AR protein levels and inhibited androgen activation of the AR target PSA in LNCaP and C4-2 cells. Additionally, knockdown of PABPC1 inhibited transactivation of the PSA promoter by NAR (AR lacking the LBD) and attenuated proliferation of AR-positive prostate cancer cells. These findings suggest that PABPC1 is a novel co-regulator of the AR and may be a potential target for blocking activation of the AR in CRPC.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Male
  • Poly(A)-Binding Protein I / deficiency
  • Poly(A)-Binding Protein I / genetics
  • Poly(A)-Binding Protein I / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Proteomics
  • Receptors, Androgen / chemistry
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism*
  • Recurrence
  • Transcriptional Activation
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • AR protein, human
  • Poly(A)-Binding Protein I
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen