Why we funded it
A better understanding of how the AR works could reveal how
prostate cancer becomes hormone resistant, identify potential
biomarkers and also potential molecular targets for new
treatments.
Scientific title
Novel proteomic approach combined with an RNAi screen to
identify AR co-factors.
Research project summary
This project will assess the importance of novel factors
involved in prostate cancer response to hormones (i.e.
testosterone); the team plan to perform an unbiased screen based on
the findings of a newly developed method.
Androgen ablation therapy is an effective first line treatment
for advanced prostate cancer; however, relapse is common and
associated with resistance to therapy. It has been shown that
androgen receptor (AR) remains important in drug resistant prostate
cancer. Therefore, a better understanding of how the AR works could
reveal mechanisms of drug resistance, potential biomarkers and also
potential therapeutic targets for treatment of men with drug
resistant prostate cancer.
The research team will use lab-grown prostate cancer cells which
are resistant, and also cells which are sensitive (non-resistant),
to androgen ablation therapy. They will use a technique called RNA
interference to test the interaction between specific molecules in
these cells and their effects on androgen signalling. The effects
will be assessed by measuring the growth rates of the resistant and
non-resistant prostate cancer cells and also by testing the effects
on levels of certain prostate cancer markers including PSA
(Prostate Specific Antigen).
The study will provide a better understanding of how androgens
promote prostate cancer, the factors involved and the potential
mechanisms of resistance to androgen deprivation therapy. The
researchers aim to identify unique molecules and pathways in the
cancer cells that could in future be used to develop diagnostic
tests and/or new treatments for prostate cancer.