[Long non-coding RNAs related to androgen receptor function in prostate cancer: Advances in studies]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are a cluster of non-coding RNAs with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, which, formerly considered as "transcriptional noise" of DNA, have now been proved to be widely involved in the regulation of gene expressions and play pivotal roles in the proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of cells and the development and progression of tumors. Recent studies show that a series of lncRNAs participate in the regulation of the progression of prostate cancer, including the transition of the cancer cells from hormone-sensitive to castration-resistant. Androgen receptor (AR) has been proved by clinicians and researchers to be a key regulating factor in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. Abundant evidence shows that lncRNAs can influence the AR signaling pathway and thus the progression and drug resistance of prostate cancer. Therefore, a clarification of the interaction between AR and lncRNA will help us better understand the biological mechanisms of tumorigenesis and provide some ideas for the treatment of prostate cancer.