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Androgen receptor isoforms in human and rat prostate
1University Department of Urology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200080, China. XSJ@citiz.net
Asian Journal of Andrology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Androgen receptor (AR) isoforms show variability in human and rat prostates. This variability in AR expression may explain individual differences in response to hormonal therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Urology
Background:
- The androgen receptor (AR) plays a crucial role in prostate function and disease.
- Understanding AR expression patterns is vital for effective prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the heterogeneity of androgen receptor (AR) isoforms.
- To examine the variability of AR expression in human and rat prostatic tissues.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution isoelectric focusing (IEF) was employed to analyze AR isoforms.
- Human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer tissues, along with rat prostates, were analyzed.
- Binding assays confirmed the specificity of AR isoform interactions with androgens.
Main Results:
- Three distinct AR isoforms with pI values of 6.5, 6.0, and 5.3 were identified.
- Significant variability in AR isoform expression was observed in human BPH tissues (36.6% showed all three, 46.3% showed two, 17.1% showed one).
- Prostatic cancer tissues exhibited varied AR isoform profiles, with one sample showing no isoforms.
Conclusions:
- Androgen receptor (AR) isoforms display considerable inter-individual variation.
- The observed differences in AR isoform expression may offer insights into personalized hormonal therapy responses.
- Further research into the genesis of AR isoforms is warranted to fully elucidate their therapeutic implications.