Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025

Tracking Drug-induced Changes in Receptor Post-internalization Trafficking by Colocalizational Analysis
Published on: July 3, 2015
The classical and updated models of androgen receptor nucleocytoplasmic trafficking
Ryan Cole1, Laura E Pascal1,2, Zhou Wang1,2,3
1Department of Urology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
Abstract:
This mini-review covers the classical model of androgen receptor (AR) nucleocytoplasmic trafficking and provides an overview of new data that updates the existing paradigm. The classical model of androgen receptor trafficking involves AR translocating to the nucleus in the presence of androgens and subsequently being exported back to the cytoplasm following the withdrawal of androgens. New data challenges and updates the fate of nuclear AR. In the updated model, the AR can be imported into the nucleus in the absence of androgens and nuclear AR is degraded, not exported. Further, androgens can enhance AR nuclear import and inhibit AR degradation in the nucleus; androgen withdrawal causes nuclear AR degradation, but not export. Enhanced androgen-independent AR nuclear localization and AR nuclear stability may be a hallmark of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Further characterization of AR trafficking may aid in the development of new therapies for patients with CRPC.
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