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Androgens, lipogenesis and prostate cancer
Johannes V Swinnen1, Hannelore Heemers, Tine van de Sande
1Laboratory for Experimental Medicine and Endocrinology, University of Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. johan.Swinnen@med.kuleuven.ac.be
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|January 25, 2005
Summary
Androgens drive prostate cancer by boosting lipogenesis, the process of creating fatty acids. Inhibiting this process halts cancer growth, offering a new therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Androgens are key drivers in prostate cancer development and progression.
- Identifying androgen-regulated genes is crucial for understanding cancer mechanisms and finding new therapies.
- Several identified androgen-regulated genes encode lipogenic enzymes, vital for cancer cell function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms of androgen regulation on lipogenic genes in prostate cancer.
- To investigate the role of lipogenesis in prostate cancer cell biology and its potential as a therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of experimental and epidemiological data.
- Identification and study of androgen-regulated genes, including lipogenic enzymes.
- Investigation of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) pathway.
- Pharmacologic inhibition and RNA-interference-mediated down-regulation of lipogenesis.
- Evaluation of effects on cancer cell lines and tumor growth in xenograft models.
Main Results:
- Androgens stimulate lipogenic gene expression via SREBPs, increasing lipid synthesis.
- Increased lipogenesis supports synthesis of membrane components and is a hallmark of cancer cells.
- Inhibition of lipogenesis induces apoptosis and reduces tumor growth.
- Lipogenesis is present in early cancer stages, persists in androgen-independent cancer, and is crucial for prostate cancer cell biology.
Conclusions:
- Androgen-stimulated lipogenesis is a fundamental process in prostate cancer, from early stages to advanced disease.
- Targeting lipogenesis presents a promising strategy for prostate cancer chemoprevention and therapy.