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Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Generation of Prostate Cancer Cell Models of Resistance to the Anti-mitotic Agent Docetaxel
Published on: September 8, 2017
Mechanistic Language Modeling and Oxygenated 3D Screening Reveal Berberine and Enzalutamide Synergy in Resistant
Chih-Hui Lo1,2, Katie Shi1, Lina Kafadarian1
1Bioengineering Department, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Resistance to androgen receptor inhibitors remains a primary challenge in prostate cancer treatment, yet identifying synergistic co-therapies is hindered by immense combinatorial search spaces and the limited interpretability of predictive computation models. Here, we developed an integrated discovery-validation axis coupling knowledge-augmented large language models with oxygen-supplemented 3D spheroid assays. By leveraging inherent model stochasticity, our framework measures the degree of consensus across independent predictions to establish a formal metric for predictive accuracy. This principle enables high-throughput assessment of complex signaling crosstalk, yielding mechanistic rationales for all predictions and defining a high-confidence zone that minimizes experimental attrition. Utilizing this approach to screen 3,592 natural products, we identified a previously unrecognized synergy between berberine and enzalutamide that re-sensitizes resistant cells. Validation confirms that berberine perturbs the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK axes, a finding consistent with the mechanistic rationales computationally derived by the framework. Integrating interpretable AI with physiologically relevant 3D screening provides a scalable methodology for the rational discovery of synergistic therapies.
Insights
We discovered a new combination therapy for prostate cancer using artificial intelligence. Berberine and enzalutamide work together to overcome resistance to standard treatments, offering a promising new treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Computational Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate cancer treatment faces challenges with resistance to androgen receptor inhibitors.
- Identifying effective combination therapies is difficult due to complex interactions and limited model interpretability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated AI and experimental framework for discovering synergistic co-therapies.
- To identify novel synergistic drug combinations for overcoming treatment resistance in prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Coupled knowledge-augmented large language models with oxygen-supplemented 3D spheroid assays.
- Developed a consensus-based metric for predictive accuracy using model stochasticity.
- Screened 3,592 natural products to identify synergistic interactions.
Main Results:
- Identified a novel synergy between berberine and enzalutamide that re-sensitizes resistant prostate cancer cells.
- Berberine was found to perturb the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways.
- Computational predictions were consistent with experimental validation, providing mechanistic insights.
Conclusions:
- Integrated interpretable AI with 3D screening provides a scalable method for rational drug discovery.
- The berberine-enzalutamide combination shows potential as a new therapy for resistant prostate cancer.
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