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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Analysis of Cell Cycle Position in Mammalian Cells
Published on: January 21, 2012
[Critical role for cell cycle regulators in androgen receptor function]
H Akita1, Y Hashimoto, M Hibino
1Department of Urology, Nagoya City University Medical School.
Abstract:
Androgen plays an important role in the growth of prostate cancer, but the molecular mechanism that underlies development of resistance to antiandrogen therapy remains unknown. Cyclin E has now been shown to increase the transactivation activity of the human androgen receptor (AR) in the presence of its ligand dihydrotestosterone. The enhancement of AR activity by cyclin E was resistant to inhibition by the antiandrogen 5-hydroxyflutamide. Cyclin E was shown to bind directly to the AB domain of the AR, and to enhance its AF-1 transactivation function. These results suggest that cyclin E functions as a coactivator of the AR, and that aberrant expression of cyclin E in tumors may contribute persistent activation of AR function, even during androgen ablation therapy.
Insights
Cyclin E enhances prostate cancer growth by increasing androgen receptor (AR) activity, even during antiandrogen therapy. This suggests cyclin E acts as a coactivator, contributing to treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Prostate cancer growth is androgen-dependent.
- Resistance to antiandrogen therapy is a significant clinical challenge.
- The molecular mechanisms driving this resistance are not fully understood.
Purpose:
- To investigate the role of cyclin E in regulating androgen receptor (AR) activity.
- To determine if cyclin E influences AR activity in the context of antiandrogen therapy.
Summary:
- Cyclin E was found to increase the transactivation activity of the human androgen receptor (AR) when bound to its ligand, dihydrotestosterone.
- This enhancement of AR activity by cyclin E was resistant to the antiandrogen 5-hydroxyflutamide.
- Cyclin E directly binds to the AB domain of the AR, enhancing its AF-1 transactivation function.
Impact:
- These findings identify cyclin E as a coactivator of the AR.
- Aberrant cyclin E expression in tumors may lead to persistent AR activation, even under androgen ablation therapy.
- This provides a potential therapeutic target for overcoming resistance to antiandrogen treatments in prostate cancer.
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