Endostatin inhibits androgen-independent prostate cancer growth by suppressing nuclear receptor-mediated oxidative

Joo Hyoung Lee1, Minsung Kang2, Hong Wang1

  • 1Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Insights

Human endostatin (ES) combats prostate cancer (PCa) by targeting androgen receptor (AR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting hormone-refractory growth. This antioxidant therapy offers a new strategy for castration-resistant PCa.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer (PCa) induces oxidative stress, promoting hormone-refractory growth via androgen receptor (AR) reactivation.
  • Antioxidant therapies are being explored as adjunct treatments for castration-resistant PCa (CRPC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the novel role of human endostatin (ES) in preventing androgen-independent PCa growth.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ES targets AR and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling and oxidative stress pathways in PCa cells.

Main Methods:

  • Prostate cancer cell culture and treatment with human endostatin (ES).
  • Molecular analyses including proteome and biochemical assays to assess receptor expression, enzyme activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels.
  • Assessment of cell proliferation and redox homeostasis.

Main Results:

  • ES treatment prevented androgen-independent PCa cell growth by targeting both AR and GR.
  • ES down-regulated GR, up-regulated antioxidant enzymes (e.g., catalase, glutathione reductase), and reduced intracellular ROS levels.
  • ES enhanced the cellular antioxidant system by up-regulating glucose influx, the pentose phosphate pathway, and NAD salvaging pathways, shifting redox homeostasis.

Conclusions:

  • Human endostatin (ES) suppresses GR-induced resistance in PCa following AR antagonism.
  • The dual targeting of AR and GR by ES offers a potential therapeutic strategy for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
  • ES effectively reduces protumorigenic oxidative stress in androgen-independent PCa.

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