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Updated: Nov 3, 2025

Using RNA-sequencing to Detect Novel Splice Variants Related to Drug Resistance in In Vitro Cancer Models
Published on: December 9, 2016
AR Splicing Variants and Resistance to AR Targeting Agents
Mayuko Kanayama1, Changxue Lu1, Jun Luo1,2
1Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
Abstract:
Over the past decade, advances in prostate cancer research have led to discovery and development of novel biomarkers and effective treatments. As treatment options diversify, it is critical to further develop and use optimal biomarkers for the purpose of maximizing treatment benefit and minimizing unwanted adverse effects. Because most treatments for prostate cancer target androgen receptor (AR) signaling, aberrations affecting this drug target are likely to emerge following the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), and it is conceivable that such aberrations may play a role in drug resistance. Among the many AR aberrations, we and others have been studying androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs), especially AR-V7, and have conducted preclinical and clinical studies to develop and validate the clinical utility of AR-V7 as a prognostic and potential predictive biomarker. In this review, we first describe mechanisms of AR-V generation, regulation and their functions from a molecular perspective. We then discuss AR-Vs from a clinical perspective, focusing on the significance of AR-Vs detected in different types of human specimens and AR-Vs as potential therapeutic targets.
Insights
Androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs), particularly AR-V7, are crucial in prostate cancer progression and treatment resistance. Understanding AR-Vs aids in developing better biomarkers and therapies for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Prostate cancer treatment advances necessitate optimal biomarkers for treatment efficacy.
- Androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a primary target, with resistance often involving AR aberrations.
- Androgen receptor splice variants (AR-Vs), especially AR-V7, are implicated in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of AR-V generation, regulation, and function.
- To discuss the clinical significance of AR-Vs in various human specimens.
- To explore the potential of AR-Vs as prognostic and predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on AR-Vs.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of AR-V generation and function.
- Evaluation of clinical utility of AR-V detection in human specimens.
Main Results:
- AR-Vs, including AR-V7, arise from aberrations in AR signaling.
- AR-Vs play a significant role in the development of treatment resistance in prostate cancer.
- AR-V7 shows potential as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in CRPC.
Conclusions:
- AR-Vs are critical mediators of resistance to AR-targeted therapies in prostate cancer.
- Further validation of AR-Vs in diverse clinical settings is essential.
- AR-Vs represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies in CRPC.
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