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Chromatin binding by the androgen receptor in prostate cancer

Harri Itkonen1, Ian G Mills

  • 1Prostate Cancer Research Group, Nordic EMBL Partnership, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1137 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway. harri.itkonen@ncmm.uio.no

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|October 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Androgen receptor (AR) alterations drive prostate cancer by controlling gene expression. Whole-genome studies reveal AR binding sites beyond promoters, presenting challenges and opportunities for cancer research.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Transcriptional program alterations are key in cancer development.
  • The androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in prostate gland development and prostate cancer.
  • AR's function is largely mediated by its interaction with chromatin, coregulators, and transcriptional machinery to control gene expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer.
  • To address the challenges and opportunities presented by whole-genome studies of AR-chromatin interactions.
  • To explore the implications of AR-directed transcriptome research for biomarker and treatment development.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on androgen receptor function in prostate cancer.
  • Analysis of findings from unbiased genome-wide studies investigating AR recruitment sites.
  • Discussion of the implications of AR cistrome data in various model systems and clinical samples.

Main Results:

  • Genome-wide studies identify AR recruitment sites as gene-distal and intragenic, not just at proximal promoters.
  • Expression profiles from AR-positive prostate tumors and cell lines correlate with the AR cistrome.
  • The distribution of AR binding sites poses challenges for establishing direct mechanistic links.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the AR cistrome is crucial for deciphering AR's role in prostate cancer.
  • Extrapolating AR-directed transcriptome data across different models requires careful consideration.
  • Further research into AR-chromatin interplay is essential for developing novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

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