Androgen receptor and growth factor signaling cross-talk in prostate cancer cells.
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-beta) 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 androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer is discussed.
Zhu
Meng-Lei
ML
Departments of Urology and Toxicology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Combs Research Building Room 306, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA.
Kyprianou
Natasha
N
D000818:Animals; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D020239:Receptor Cross-Talk / Q000502:physiology*; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D011944:Receptors, Androgen