Androgen receptor and growth factor signaling cross-talk in prostate cancer cells

ML Zhu, N Kyprianou - Endocr Relat Cancer, 2008 - erc.bioscientifica.com
Endocr Relat Cancer, 2008erc.bioscientifica.com
Androgens promote the growth and differentiation of prostate cells through ligand activation
of the androgen receptor (AR). Sensitization of the androgenic response by multifunctional
growth factor signaling pathways is one of the mechanisms via which AR contributes to the
emergence of androgen-independent prostate tumors. The ability of AR to cross-talk with
key growth factor signaling events toward the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and
differentiation outcomes in prostate cancer cells is established. In this paper, we review the …
Abstract
Androgens promote the growth and differentiation of prostate cells through ligand activation of the androgen receptor (AR). Sensitization of the androgenic response by multifunctional growth factor signaling pathways is one of the mechanisms via which AR contributes to the emergence of androgen-independent prostate tumors. The ability of AR to cross-talk with key growth factor signaling events toward the regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation outcomes in prostate cancer cells is established. In this paper, we review the functional interaction between AR and an array of growth factor signal transduction events (including epidermal growth factor; fibroblast growth factor; IGF1; vascular endothelial growth factor; transforming growth factor-b) in prostate tumors. The significance of this derailed cross-talk between androgens and key signaling networks in prostate cancer progression and its value as a therapeutic forum targeting androgenindependent metastatic prostate cancer is discussed.
erc.bioscientifica.com