How p44/WDR77 Controls Androgen Receptor Function in Prostate Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Gu Zhongping, Zhou Liran, Gao Shen, Wang Zhengxin
Primary Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Hypothesis
The study investigates the nuclear transport signals that control the localization and function of the androgen receptor cofactor p44/WDR77 in prostate cancer cells.
Conclusion
The study found that p44/WDR77's nuclear localization is essential for its function as a transcriptional cofactor for the androgen receptor, and this localization is disrupted in AR-positive prostate cancer cells.
Supporting Evidence
- p44/WDR77 localizes in the cytoplasm during early prostate development and in the nucleus in adult prostate.
- Nuclear localization of p44/WDR77 is essential for its function as a transcriptional cofactor for the androgen receptor.
- In AR-positive prostate cancer cells, the nuclear localization signals of p44/WDR77 are not functional, leading to its cytoplasmic accumulation.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called p44/WDR77 needs to be in the nucleus to help control how genes are turned on in prostate cells, but in some cancer cells, it gets stuck in the cytoplasm and can't do its job.
Methodology
The study used mouse prostate and human prostate cancer cells to investigate the subcellular localization of p44/WDR77 and its nuclear transport signals through various assays including immunostaining and mutagenesis.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on specific prostate cancer cell lines and may not fully represent all prostate cancer types.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website