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Published on: November 15, 2013
Hormonal control of androgen receptor function through SIRT1
Maofu Fu1, Manran Liu, Anthony A Sauve
1Department of Cancer Biology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
SIRT1 antagonists boost androgen receptor (AR) expression and signaling in prostate cancer. SIRT1 directly deacetylates AR, inhibiting DHT-induced growth and linking sirtuins to prostate cancer progression.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Sir2 (SIRT1) is an NAD-dependent deacetylase linking metabolism, gene silencing, and aging.
- The androgen receptor (AR) regulates prostate cancer cell functions in response to androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SIRT1 in regulating androgen receptor (AR) signaling in prostate cancer.
- To determine if SIRT1 directly interacts with and modifies the AR.
Main Methods:
- Utilized SIRT1 antagonists to observe effects on AR expression and signaling.
- Performed biochemical assays to confirm SIRT1 binding and deacetylation of AR.
- Assessed the impact of SIRT1 on AR-mediated gene expression and cellular growth.
Main Results:
- SIRT1 antagonists increased endogenous AR expression and enhanced DHT-induced AR signaling.
- SIRT1 directly binds to and deacetylates the AR at a specific lysine motif.
- SIRT1's catalytic activity and AR deacetylation are necessary for inhibiting DHT-induced AR signaling.
- SIRT1 repressed coactivator interactions with AR and blocked DHT-induced prostate cancer cell growth.
Conclusions:
- SIRT1 directly regulates AR activity through deacetylation.
- SIRT1 acts as a negative regulator of AR signaling and prostate cancer cell growth.
- This study establishes a functional link between sirtuins and AR in prostate cancer progression.
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