Enzalutamide response in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines reveals a role for glucocorticoid receptor in enzalutamide resistant disease

Patient-Derived Conditionally Reprogrammed Cells in Prostate Cancer Research

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality among American men, with metastatic and recurrent disease posing significant therapeutic challenges due to a limited comprehension of the underlying biological processes governing disease initiation, dormancy, and progression. The conventional use of PCa cell lines has proven inadequate in elucidating the intricate molecular mechanisms driving PCa carcinogenesis, hindering the development of effective treatments. To address this gap, patient-derived primary cell cultures have been developed and play a pivotal role in unraveling the pathophysiological intricacies unique to PCa in each individual, offering valuable insights for translational research. This review explores the applications of the conditional reprogramming (CR) cell culture approach, showcasing its capability to rapidly and effectively cultivate patient-derived normal and tumor cells. The CR strategy facilitates the acquisition of stem cell properties by primary cells, precisely recapitulating the human pathophysiology of PCa. This nuanced understanding enables the identification of novel therapeutics. Specifically, our discussion encompasses the utility of CR cells in elucidating PCa initiation and progression, unraveling the molecular pathogenesis of metastatic PCa, addressing health disparities, and advancing personalized medicine. Coupled with the tumor organoid approach and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), CR cells present a promising avenue for comprehending cancer biology, exploring new treatment modalities, and advancing precision medicine in the context of PCa. These approaches have been used for two NCI initiatives (PDMR: patient-derived model repositories; HCMI: human cancer models initiatives).

Enzalutamide induces cytotoxicity in desmoplastic small round cell tumor independent of the androgen receptor

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, pediatric cancer caused by the EWSR1::WT1 fusion protein. DSRCT predominantly occurs in males, which comprise 80-90% of the patient population. While the reason for this male predominance remains unknown, one hypothesis is that the androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in DSRCT and elevated testosterone levels in males help drive tumor growth. Here, we demonstrate that AR is highly expressed in DSRCT relative to other fusion-driven sarcomas and that the AR antagonists enzalutamide and flutamide reduce DSRCT growth. However, despite these findings, which suggest an important role for AR in DSRCT, we show that DSRCT cell lines form xenografts in female mice at the same rate as male mice and AR depletion does not significantly alter DSRCT growth in vitro. Further, we find that AR antagonists reduce DSRCT growth in cells depleted of AR, establishing an AR-independent mechanism of action. These findings suggest that AR dependence is not the reason for male predominance in DSRCT and that AR-targeted therapies may provide therapeutic benefit primarily through an AR-independent mechanism that requires further elucidation.

Combined therapy targeting AR and EZH2 curbs castration-resistant prostate cancer enhancing anti-tumor T-cell response

Aim: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually becomes resistant to androgen receptor pathway inhibitors like enzalutamide. Immunotherapy also fails in CRPC. We propose a new approach to simultaneously revert enzalutamide resistance and rewire anti-tumor immunity. Methods: We investigated in vitro and in subcutaneous and spontaneous mouse models the effects of combining enzalutamide and GSK-126, a drug inhibiting the epigenetic modulator EZH2. Results: Enzalutamide and GSK-126 synergized to reduce CRPC growth, also restraining tumor neuroendocrine differentiation. The anti-tumor activity was lost in immunodeficient mice. Indeed, the combination treatment awoke cytotoxic activity and IFN-γ production of tumor-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes. Conclusion: These results promote the combination of enzalutamide and GSK-126 in CRPC, also offering new avenues for immunotherapy in prostate cancer.

Identification of PRDX5 as A Target for The Treatment of Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a long-standing clinical challenge. Traditionally, CRPC drugs work by either reducing dihydrotestosterone biosynthesis or blocking androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Here it is demonstrated that AR inhibitor treatment gives rise to a drug-tolerant persister (DTP) state. The thioredoxin/peroxiredoxin pathway is up-regulated in DTP cells. Peroxiredoxin 5 (PRDX5) promotes AR inhibitor resistance and CRPC development. Inhibition of PRDX5 suppresses DTP cell proliferation in culture, dampens CRPC development in animal models, and stabilizes PSA progression and metastatic lesions in patients. Therefore, the study provides a novel mechanism and potential target for the management of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Chromatin accessibility and pioneer factor FOXA1 restrict glucocorticoid receptor action in prostate cancer

Treatment of prostate cancer relies predominantly on the inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Despite the initial effectiveness of the antiandrogen therapies, the cancer often develops resistance to the AR blockade. One mechanism of the resistance is glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated replacement of AR function. Nevertheless, the mechanistic ways and means how the GR-mediated antiandrogen resistance occurs have remained elusive. Here, we have discovered several crucial features of GR action in prostate cancer cells through genome-wide techniques. We detected that the replacement of AR by GR in enzalutamide-exposed prostate cancer cells occurs almost exclusively at pre-accessible chromatin sites displaying FOXA1 occupancy. Counterintuitively to the classical pioneer factor model, silencing of FOXA1 potentiated the chromatin binding and transcriptional activity of GR. This was attributed to FOXA1-mediated repression of the NR3C1 (gene encoding GR) expression via the corepressor TLE3. Moreover, the small-molecule inhibition of coactivator p300's enzymatic activity efficiently restricted GR-mediated gene regulation and cell proliferation. Overall, we identified chromatin pre-accessibility and FOXA1-mediated repression as important regulators of GR action in prostate cancer, pointing out new avenues to oppose steroid receptor-mediated antiandrogen resistance.

Low androgen signaling rescues genome integrity with innate immune response by reducing fertility in humans

Development of the gonads under complex androgen regulation is critical for germ cells specification. In this work we addressed the relationship between androgens and genomic integrity determining human fertility. We used different study groups: individuals with Differences of Sex Development (DSD), including Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) due to mutated androgen receptor (AR), and men with idiopathic nonobstructive azoospermia. Both showed genome integrity status influenced by androgen signaling via innate immune response activation in blood and gonads. Whole proteome analysis connected low AR to interleukin-specific gene expression, while compromised genome stability and tumorigenesis were also supported by interferons. AR expression was associated with predominant DNA damage phenotype, that eliminated AR-positive Sertoli cells as the degeneration of gonads increased. Low AR contributed to resistance from the inhibition of DNA repair in primary leukocytes. Downregulation of androgen promoted apoptosis and specific innate immune response with higher susceptibility in cells carrying genomic instability.

Gαi2 Protein Inhibition Blocks Chemotherapy- and Anti-Androgen-Induced Prostate Cancer Cell Migration

We have previously shown that heterotrimeric G-protein subunit alphai2 (Gαi2) is essential for cell migration and invasion in prostate, ovarian and breast cancer cells, and novel small molecule inhibitors targeting Gαi2 block its effects on migratory and invasive behavior. In this study, we have identified potent, metabolically stable, second generation Gαi2 inhibitors which inhibit cell migration in prostate cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that chemotherapy can induce the cancer cells to migrate to distant sites to form metastases. In the present study, we determined the effects of taxanes (docetaxel), anti-androgens (enzalutamide and bicalutamide) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors (SAHA and SBI-I-19) on cell migration in prostate cancer cells. All treatments induced cell migration, and simultaneous treatments with new Gαi2 inhibitors blocked their effects on cell migration. We concluded that a combination treatment of Gαi2 inhibitors and chemotherapy could blunt the capability of cancer cells to migrate and form metastases.

Mechanism-centric regulatory network identifies NME2 and MYC programs as markers of Enzalutamide resistance in CRPC

Heterogeneous response to Enzalutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitor, is a central problem in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) management. Genome-wide systems investigation of mechanisms that govern Enzalutamide resistance promise to elucidate markers of heterogeneous treatment response and salvage therapies for CRPC patients. Focusing on the de novo role of MYC as a marker of Enzalutamide resistance, here we reconstruct a CRPC-specific mechanism-centric regulatory network, connecting molecular pathways with their upstream transcriptional regulatory programs. Mining this network with signatures of Enzalutamide response identifies NME2 as an upstream regulatory partner of MYC in CRPC and demonstrates that NME2-MYC increased activities can predict patients at risk of resistance to Enzalutamide, independent of co-variates. Furthermore, our experimental investigations demonstrate that targeting MYC and its partner NME2 is beneficial in Enzalutamide-resistant conditions and could provide an effective strategy for patients at risk of Enzalutamide resistance and/or for patients who failed Enzalutamide treatment.

Enzalutamide Induces Cytotoxicity in Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Independent of the Androgen Receptor

Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, pediatric cancer caused by the EWSR1::WT1 fusion protein. DSRCT predominantly occurs in males, which comprise 80-90% of the patient population. While the reason for this male predominance remains unknown, one hypothesis is that the androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in DSRCT and elevated testosterone levels in males help drive tumor growth. Here, we demonstrate that AR is highly expressed in DSRCT relative to other fusion-driven sarcomas and that the AR antagonists enzalutamide and flutamide reduce DSRCT growth. However, despite these findings, which suggest an important role for AR in DSRCT, we show that DSRCT cell lines form xenografts in female mice at the same rate as male mice and AR depletion does not significantly alter DSRCT growth in vitro. Further, we find that AR antagonists reduce DSRCT growth in cells depleted of AR, establishing an AR-independent mechanism of action. These findings suggest that AR dependence is not the reason for male predominance in DSRCT and that AR-targeted therapies may provide therapeutic benefit primarily through an AR-independent mechanism that requires further elucidation.

Survivin-targeted nanomedicine for increased potency of abiraterone and enzalutamide against prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the leading and most aggressive cancer around the world, several therapeutic approaches have emerged but none have achieved the satisfactory result. However, these therapeutic approaches face many challenges related to their delivery to target cells, including their in vivo decay, the limited uptake by target cells, the requirements for nuclear penetration (in some cases), and the damage caused to healthy cells. These barriers can be avoided by effective, targeted, combinatorial approaches, with minimal side effects, which are being investigated for the treatment of cancer. Here, we developed a combinatorial nanomedicine comprising abiraterone and enzalutamide bioconjugated survivin-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (AbEzSvGNPs) for targeted therapy of prostate cancer. AbEzSvGNPs were characterized by different biophysical techniques such as UV visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Interestingly, the effect of abiraterone, enzalutamide and surviving encapsulated gold nanoparticles was found to be synergistic in nature in AbEzSvGNPs against DU 145 (IC50 = 4.21 µM) and PC-3 (IC50 = 5.58 µM) cells and their potential was observed to be greatly enhanced as compared with the combined effect of the drugs (abiraterone and enzalutamide) in their free form. Furthermore, AbEzSvGNPs were found to be highly safe and did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against normal rat kidney cells. The observed effects of AbEzSvGNPs involved the modulation of different signaling pathways in prostate cancer cells. This delivery system employed non-androgen receptor-dependent delivery of abiraterone and enzalutamide. The anionic AbEzSvGNPs delivered abiraterone and enzalutamide unaltered into the nucleus through caveolae mediated internalization to act nonspecifically on DNA; internalization of the anionic nanoparticles into the cytoplasm was also observed via other routes. AbEzSvGNPs synthesized and evaluated in this study are promising candidates for prostate cancer therapy.

Transposable Elements Are Co-opted as Oncogenic Regulatory Elements by Lineage-Specific Transcription Factors in Prostate Cancer

Transposable elements hold regulatory functions that impact cell fate determination by controlling gene expression. However, little is known about the transcriptional machinery engaged at transposable elements in pluripotent and mature versus oncogenic cell states. Through positional analysis over repetitive DNA sequences of H3K27ac chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data from 32 normal cell states, we report pluripotent/stem and mature cell state-specific "regulatory transposable elements." Pluripotent/stem elements are binding sites for pluripotency factors (e.g., NANOG, SOX2, OCT4). Mature cell elements are docking sites for lineage-specific transcription factors, including AR and FOXA1 in prostate epithelium. Expanding the analysis to prostate tumors, we identify a subset of regulatory transposable elements shared with pluripotent/stem cells, including Tigger3a. Using chromatin editing technology, we show how such elements promote prostate cancer growth by regulating AR transcriptional activity. Collectively, our results suggest that oncogenesis arises from lineage-specific transcription factors hijacking pluripotent/stem cell regulatory transposable elements.

SIGNIFICANCE

We show that oncogenesis relies on co-opting transposable elements from pluripotent stem cells as regulatory elements altering the recruitment of lineage-specific transcription factors. We further discover how co-option is dependent on active chromatin states with important implications for developing treatment options against drivers of oncogenesis across the repetitive DNA. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2293.

Automation, live-cell imaging, and endpoint cell viability for prostate cancer drug screens

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard of care for high risk and advanced prostate cancer; however, disease progression from androgen-dependent prostate cancer (ADPC) to lethal and incurable castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and (in a substantial minority of cases) neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) is common. Identifying effective targeted therapies is challenging because of acquired resistance to established treatments and the vast heterogeneity of advanced prostate cancer (PC). To streamline the identification of potentially active prostate cancer therapeutics, we have developed an adaptable semi-automated protocol which optimizes cell growth and leverages automation to enhance robustness, reproducibility, and throughput while integrating live-cell imaging and endpoint viability assays to assess drug efficacy in vitro. In this study, culture conditions for 72-hr drug screens in 96-well plates were established for a large, representative panel of human prostate cell lines including: BPH-1 and RWPE-1 (non-tumorigenic), LNCaP and VCaP (ADPC), C4-2B and 22Rv1 (CRPC), DU 145 and PC3 (androgen receptor-null CRPC), and NCI-H660 (NEPC). The cell growth and 72-hr confluence for each cell line was optimized for real-time imaging and endpoint viability assays prior to screening for novel or repurposed drugs as proof of protocol validity. We demonstrated effectiveness and reliability of this pipeline through validation of the established finding that the first-in-class BET and CBP/p300 dual inhibitor EP-31670 is an effective compound in reducing ADPC and CRPC cell growth. In addition, we found that insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor linsitinib is a potential pharmacological agent against highly lethal and drug-resistant NEPC NCI-H660 cells. This protocol can be employed across other cancer types and represents an adaptable strategy to optimize assay-specific cell growth conditions and simultaneously assess drug efficacy across multiple cell lines.

Discovery of , a First-in-Class and Orally Bioavailable PROTAC Degrader of the Androgen Receptor Targeting N-Terminal Domain for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

We report small molecular PROTAC compounds targeting the androgen receptor N-terminal domain (AR-NTD), which were obtained by tethering AR-NTD antagonists and different classes of E3 ligase ligands through chemical linkers. A representative compound, BWA-522, effectively induces degradation of both AR-FL and AR-V7 and is more potent than the corresponding antagonist against prostate cancer (PC) cells in vitro. We have shown that the degradation of AR-FL and AR-V7 proteins by BWA-522 can suppress the expression of AR downstream proteins and induce PC cell apoptosis. BWA-522 achieves 40.5% oral bioavailability in mice and 69.3% in beagle dogs. In a LNCaP xenograft model study, BWA-522 was also proved to be an efficacious PROTAC degrader, resulting in 76% tumor growth inhibition after oral administration of a dose of 60 mg/kg. This study indicates that BWA-522 is a promising AR-NTD PROTAC for the treatment of AR-FL- and AR-V7-dependent tumors.

Glucocorticoid Receptor Regulates and Interacts with LEDGF/p75 to Promote Docetaxel Resistance in Prostate Cancer Cells

Patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) invariably develop resistance to anti-androgen therapy and taxane-based chemotherapy. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has been implicated in PCa therapy resistance; however, the mechanisms underlying GR-mediated chemoresistance remain unclear. Lens epithelium-derived growth factor p75 (LEDGF/p75, also known as PSIP1 and DFS70) is a glucocorticoid-induced transcription co-activator implicated in cancer chemoresistance. We investigated the contribution of the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis to docetaxel (DTX)-resistance in PCa cells. GR silencing in DTX-sensitive and -resistant PCa cells decreased LEDGF/p75 expression, and GR upregulation in enzalutamide-resistant cells correlated with increased LEDGF/p75 expression. ChIP-sequencing revealed GR binding sites in the LEDGF/p75 promoter. STRING protein-protein interaction analysis indicated that GR and LEDGF/p75 belong to the same transcriptional network, and immunochemical studies demonstrated their co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization in DTX-resistant cells. The GR modulators exicorilant and relacorilant increased the sensitivity of chemoresistant PCa cells to DTX-induced cell death, and this effect was more pronounced upon LEDGF/p75 silencing. RNA-sequencing of DTX-resistant cells with GR or LEDGF/p75 knockdown revealed a transcriptomic overlap targeting signaling pathways associated with cell survival and proliferation, cancer, and therapy resistance. These studies implicate the GR-LEDGF/p75 axis in PCa therapy resistance and provide a pre-clinical rationale for developing novel therapeutic strategies for advanced PCa.

A GATA2-CDC6 axis modulates androgen receptor blockade-induced senescence in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in men worldwide. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has proven effective in early-stage androgen-sensitive disease, but prostate cancer gradually develops into an androgen-resistant metastatic state in the vast majority of patients. According to our oncogene-induced model for cancer development, senescence is a major tumor progression barrier. However, whether senescence is implicated in the progression of early-stage androgen-sensitive to highly aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains poorly addressed.

METHODS

Androgen-dependent (LNCaP) and -independent (C4-2B and PC-3) cells were treated or not with enzalutamide, an Androgen Receptor (AR) inhibitor. RNA sequencing and pathway analyses were carried out in LNCaP cells to identify potential senescence regulators upon treatment. Assessment of the invasive potential of cells and senescence status following enzalutamide treatment and/or RNAi-mediated silencing of selected targets was performed in all cell lines, complemented by bioinformatics analyses on a wide range of in vitro and in vivo datasets. Key observations were validated in LNCaP and C4-2B mouse xenografts. Senescence induction was assessed by state-of-the-art GL13 staining by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that enzalutamide treatment induces senescence in androgen-sensitive cells via reduction of the replication licensing factor CDC6. Mechanistically, we show that CDC6 downregulation is mediated through endogenous activation of the GATA2 transcription factor functioning as a CDC6 repressor. Intriguingly, GATA2 levels decrease in enzalutamide-resistant cells, leading to CDC6 stabilization accompanied by activation of Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) markers and absence of senescence. We show that CDC6 loss is sufficient to reverse oncogenic features and induce senescence regardless of treatment responsiveness, thereby identifying CDC6 as a critical determinant of prostate cancer progression.

CONCLUSIONS

We identify a key GATA2-CDC6 signaling axis which is reciprocally regulated in enzalutamide-sensitive and -resistant prostate cancer environments. Upon acquired resistance, GATA2 repression leads to CDC6 stabilization, with detrimental effects in disease progression through exacerbation of EMT and abrogation of senescence. However, bypassing the GATA2-CDC6 axis by direct inhibition of CDC6 reverses oncogenic features and establishes senescence, thereby offering a therapeutic window even after acquiring resistance to therapy.

Aldo-Keto Reductase 1C3 Inhibitor Prodrug Improves Pharmacokinetic Profile and Demonstrates In Vivo Efficacy in a Prostate Cancer Xenograft Model

Aldo-keto reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) is overexpressed in castration-resistant prostate cancer where it acts to drive proliferation and aggressiveness by producing androgens. The reductive action of the enzyme leads to chemoresistance development against various clinical antineoplastics across a range of cancers. Herein, we report the continued optimization of selective AKR1C3 inhibitors and the identification of 5r, a potent AKR1C3 inhibitor (IC50 = 51 nM) with >1216-fold selectivity for AKR1C3 over closely related isoforms. Due to the cognizance of the poor pharmacokinetics associated with free carboxylic acids, a methyl ester prodrug strategy was pursued. The prodrug 4r was converted to free acid 5r in vitro in mouse plasma and in vivo. The in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed an increase in systemic exposure and increased the maximum 5r concentration compared to direct administration of the free acid. The prodrug 4r demonstrated a dose-dependent effect to reduce the tumor volume of 22Rv1 prostate cancer xenografts without observed toxicity.

An Aminosteroid Derivative Shows Higher In Vitro and In Vivo Potencies than Gold Standard Drugs in Androgen-Dependent Prostate Cancer Models

The aminosteroid derivative RM-581 blocks with high potency the growth of androgen-dependent (AR⁺) prostate cancer VCaP, 22Rv1, and LAPC-4 cells. Notably, RM-581 demonstrated superior antiproliferative activity in LAPC-4 cells compared to enzalutamide and abiraterone, two drugs that exhibited a synergistic effect in combination with RM-581. These findings suggest that RM-581 may have an action that is not directly associated with the hormonal pathway of androgens. Furthermore, RM-581 completely blocks tumor growth in LAPC-4 xenografts when given orally at 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg in non-castrated (intact) nude mice. During this study, an accumulation of RM-581 was observed in tumors compared to plasma (3.3-10 folds). Additionally, the level of fatty acids (FA) increased in the tumors and livers of mice treated with RM-581 but not in plasma. The increase was greater in unsaturated FA (21-28%) than in saturated FA (7-11%). The most affected FA were saturated palmitic acid (+16%), monounsaturated oleic acid (+34%), and di-unsaturated linoleic acid (+56%), i.e., the 3 most abundant FA, with a total of 55% of the 56 FA measured. For cholesterol levels, there was no significant difference in the tumor, liver, or plasma of mice treated or not with RM-581. Another important result was the innocuity of RM-581 in mice during a 28-day xenograft experiment and a 7-week dose-escalation study, suggesting a favorable safety window for this new promising drug candidate when given orally.

Glucocorticoid Receptor and β-Catenin Interact in Prostate Cancer Cells and Their Co-Inhibition Attenuates Tumorsphere Formation, Stemness, and Docetaxel Resistance

Therapy resistance hinders the efficacy of anti-androgen therapies and taxane-based chemotherapy for advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling mediates resistance to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSI) and has also been recently implicated in PCa resistance to docetaxel (DTX), suggesting a role in therapy cross-resistance. Like GR, β-catenin is upregulated in metastatic and therapy-resistant tumors and is a crucial regulator of cancer stemness and ARSI resistance. β-catenin interacts with AR to promote PCa progression. Given the structural and functional similarities between AR and GR, we hypothesized that β-catenin also interacts with GR to influence PCa stemness and chemoresistance. As expected, we observed that treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone promotednuclear accumulation of GR and active β-catenin in PCa cells. Co-immunoprecipitation studies showed that GR and β-catenin interact in DTX-resistant and DTX-sensitive PCa cells. Pharmacological co-inhibition of GR and β-catenin, using the GR modulator CORT-108297 and the selective β-catenin inhibitor MSAB, enhanced cytotoxicity in DTX-resistant PCa cells grown in adherent and spheroid cultures and decreased CD44+/CD24- cell populations in tumorspheres. These results indicate that GR and β-catenin influence cell survival, stemness, and tumorsphere formation in DTX-resistant cells. Their co-inhibition could be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome PCa therapy cross-resistance.

An integrated in vitro/in silico approach to assess the anti-androgenic potency of isobavachin

Isobavachin is a dietary flavanone with multiple biological activities. Our previous research has confirmed the estrogenicity of isobavachin, and this work aims to assess the anti-androgenic potency of isobavachin by an integrated in vitro and in silico approach. Isobavachin can limit the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by inducing a distinct G1 cell-cycle arrest. In addition, isobavachin also significantly represses the transcription of androgen receptor (AR)-downstream targets such as prostate specific antigen. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that isobavachin can disrupt the nuclear translocation of AR and promote its proteasomal degradation. The results of computer simulations showed that isobavachin can stably bind to AR, and the amino acid residue Gln711 may play a critical role in AR binding of both AR agonists and antagonists. In conclusion, this work has identified isobavachin as a novel AR antagonist.

Academic drug discovery in an age of research abundance, and the curious case of chemical screens toward drug repositioning

High-throughput screening (HTS) is a vaunted technology in drug discovery, and drug repositioning a celebrated strategy with famous examples of successful stories; however, repositioned drugs have primarily resulted from serendipitous observations, retrospective studies, and pharmacological analyses as opposed to experimental routes. This observation points to a methodological paradox, considering that academic laboratories of the post-genomic era have benefited from unprecedented technological progress, and a facilitated access to powerful resources that, historically, were a prerogative of the pharma industry. This disconnect is exacerbated by financial, practical, and regulatory complexities affecting drug repositioning; however, the pivotal significance of stringent and rigorous data is what unconditionally sits at the crossroad of go/no-go decisions concerning the therapeutic significance, or predictive validity, of selected drugs. Here, I propose a visionary approach, to which I assigned the term labsourcing, to dramatically enhance efficiency and clinical relevance of academic drug screens and, ultimately, generate contextual and reproducible data for correct interpretations and reliable selection of drug candidates. The overall concept implies intra- and intermural aggregation of expertise (e.g., assay development, cell biology, statistics, bioinformatics) to perform multiple bioassays, under multiple conditions and readouts, using a common screening collection. Advantages of high input screens can be manifold: (i) to tackle discrepancies that may arise from the screens of libraries of variable size and content and assay types and conditions too narrow in scope; (ii) the opportunity to generate massive amounts of data applicable for multiple publications and funding requests; (iii) the educational benefits for students and post-docs collegially exposed to long-term programs; and (iv) the opportunity to democratize research and recruit small labs that could not otherwise join screening programs due to costs, timelines, and risks.

Preclinical Efficacy of a PARP-1 Targeted Auger-Emitting Radionuclide in Prostate Cancer

There is an unmet need for better therapeutic strategies for advanced prostate cancer. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a chromatin-binding DNA repair enzyme overexpressed in prostate cancer. This study evaluates whether PARP-1, on account of its proximity to the cell's DNA, would be a good target for delivering high-linear energy transfer Auger radiation to induce lethal DNA damage in prostate cancer cells. We analyzed the correlation between PARP-1 expression and Gleason score in a prostate cancer tissue microarray. A radio-brominated Auger emitting inhibitor ([77Br]Br-WC-DZ) targeting PARP-1 was synthesized. The ability of [77Br]Br-WC-DZ to induce cytotoxicity and DNA damage was assessed in vitro. The antitumor efficacy of [77Br]Br-WC-DZ was investigated in prostate cancer xenograft models. PARP-1 expression was found to be positively correlated with the Gleason score, thus making it an attractive target for Auger therapy in advanced diseases. The Auger emitter, [77Br]Br-WC-DZ, induced DNA damage, G2-M cell cycle phase arrest, and cytotoxicity in PC-3 and IGR-CaP1 prostate cancer cells. A single dose of [77Br]Br-WC-DZ inhibited the growth of prostate cancer xenografts and improved the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our studies establish the fact that PARP-1 targeting Auger emitters could have therapeutic implications in advanced prostate cancer and provides a strong rationale for future clinical investigation.

Targeted non AR mediated smart delivery of abiraterone to the prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the second-deadliest tumor in men all over the world. Different types of drugs with various delivery systems and pathways were developed, but no one showed prominent results against cancer. Meanwhile, nanoparticles have shown good results against cancer. Therefore, in the given study, citrate mediated synthesized gold nanoparticles (CtGNPs) with immobilized survivin antibodies (SvGNPs) were bioconjugated to the substantially potent drug abiraterone (AbSvGNPs) to develop as a combinatorial therapeutic against prostate cancer. The AbSvGNPs are made up of CtGNPs, survivin antibodies, and abiraterone. The selected drug abiraterone (Abira) possesses exceptionally good activity against prostate cancer, but cancer cells develop resistance against this drug and it also poses several severe side effects. Meanwhile, survivin antibodies were used to deliver AbSvGNPs specifically into cancer cells by considering survivin, an anti-apoptotic overexpressed protein in cancer cells, as a marker. The survivin antibodies have also been used to inhibit cancer cells as an immunotherapeutic agent. Similarly, CtGNPs were discovered to inhibit cancer cell proliferation via several transduction pathways. The given bioconjugated nanoparticles (AbSvGNPs) were found to be substantially effective against prostate cancer with an IC50 of 11.8 and 7.3 μM against DU145 and PC-3 cells, respectively. However, it was found safe against NRK and showed less than 25% cytotoxicity up to 20μM concentration. The as-synthesized nanoparticles CtGNPs, SvGNPs, and AbSvGNPs were characterized by several physical techniques to confirm their synthesis, whereas the immobilization of survivin antibodies and bioconjugation of Abira was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, FTIR, and zeta-potential. The anticancer potential of AbSvGNPs was determined by MTT, DAPI, ROS, MITO, TUNEL ASSAY, and caspase-3 activity against DU145 and PC3 cells.

Reformation of the chondroitin sulfate glycocalyx enables progression of AR-independent prostate cancer

Lineage plasticity of prostate cancer is associated with resistance to androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibition (ARPI) and supported by a reactive tumor microenvironment. Here we show that changes in chondroitin sulfate (CS), a major glycosaminoglycan component of the tumor cell glycocalyx and extracellular matrix, is AR-regulated and promotes the adaptive progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after ARPI. AR directly represses transcription of the 4-O-sulfotransferase gene CHST11 under basal androgen conditions, maintaining steady-state CS in prostate adenocarcinomas. When AR signaling is inhibited by ARPI or lost during progression to non-AR-driven CRPC as a consequence of lineage plasticity, CHST11 expression is unleashed, leading to elevated 4-O-sulfated chondroitin levels. Inhibition of the tumor cell CS glycocalyx delays CRPC progression, and impairs growth and motility of prostate cancer after ARPI. Thus, a reactive CS glycocalyx supports adaptive survival and treatment resistance after ARPI, representing a therapeutic opportunity in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is one of the most abundant glycosaminoglycans in prostate cancers. Here the authors show that inhibition of the androgen receptor pathway leads to the upregulation of CS, which promotes prostate cancer growth and metastasis.

Leptin modulated microRNA-628-5p targets Jagged-1 and inhibits prostate cancer hallmarks

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules that play a regulatory role in gene expression and cancer cell signaling. We previously identified miR-628-5p (miR-628) as a potential biomarker in serum samples from men with prostate cancer (PCa) (Srivastava et al. in Tumour Biol 35:4867–4873, 10.1007/s13277-014-1638-1, 2014). This study examined the detailed cellular phenotypes and pathways regulated by miR-628 in PCa cells. Since obesity is a significant risk factor for PCa, and there is a correlation between levels of the obesity-associated hormone leptin and PCa development, here we investigated the functional relationship between leptin and miR-628 regulation in PCa. We demonstrated that exposure to leptin downregulated the expression of miR-628 and increased cell proliferation/migration in PCa cells. We next studied the effects on cancer-related phenotypes in PCa cells after altering miR-628 expression levels. Enforced expression of miR-628 in PCa cells inhibited cell proliferation, reduced PCa cell survival/migration/invasion/spheroid formation, and decreased markers of cell stemness. Mechanistically, miR-628 binds with the JAG1-3′UTR and inhibits the expression of Jagged-1 (JAG1). JAG1 inhibition by miR-628 downregulated Notch signaling, decreased the expression of Snail/Slug, and modulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition and invasiveness in PC3 cells. Furthermore, expression of miR-628 in PCa cells increased sensitivity towards the drugs enzalutamide and docetaxel by induction of cell apoptosis. Collectively our data suggest that miR-628 is a key regulator of PCa carcinogenesis and is modulated by leptin, offering a novel therapeutic opportunity to inhibit the growth of advanced PCa.

The Integration of Metabolomics with Other Omics: Insights into Understanding Prostate Cancer

Our understanding of prostate cancer (PCa) has shifted from solely caused by a few genetic aberrations to a combination of complex biochemical dysregulations with the prostate metabolome at its core. The role of metabolomics in analyzing the pathophysiology of PCa is indispensable. However, to fully elucidate real-time complex dysregulation in prostate cells, an integrated approach based on metabolomics and other omics is warranted. Individually, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics are robust, but they are not enough to achieve a holistic view of PCa tumorigenesis. This review is the first of its kind to focus solely on the integration of metabolomics with multi-omic platforms in PCa research, including a detailed emphasis on the metabolomic profile of PCa. The authors intend to provide researchers in the field with a comprehensive knowledge base in PCa metabolomics and offer perspectives on overcoming limitations of the tool to guide future point-of-care applications.

Antiproliferative Activity of Two Unusual Dimeric Flavonoids, Brachydin E and Brachydin F, Isolated from Fridericia platyphylla (Cham.) L.G.Lohmann: In Vitro and Molecular Docking Evaluation

Despite the breakthrough in the development of anticancer therapies, plant-derived chemotherapeutics continue to be the basis of treatment for most types of cancers. Fridericia platyphylla is a shrub found in Brazilian cerrado biome which has cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative potential of the crude hydroethanolic extract, subfraction (containing 59.3% of unusual dimeric flavonoids Brachydin E and 40.7% Brachydin F), as well as Brachydin E and Brachydin F isolated from F. platyphylla roots. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated in glioblastoma, lung, prostate, and colorectal human tumor cell lines. The crude hydroethanolic extract did not present cytotoxic activity, but its subfraction presented lower IC50 values for glioblastoma (U-251) and prostate adenocarcinoma (PC-3) cell lines. Brachydins E and F significantly reduced cell viability, proliferation, and clonogenic potential of PC-3, inducing them to the process of regulated cell death. In silico studies have indicated nuclear receptors as targets for Brachydins E and F, and molecular docking has pointed out their binding into glucocorticoid receptor (GR) ligand pocket. Targeting GR pathway has been described as a therapeutic strategy, especially for prostate cancer. These results suggest that Brachydin E and Brachydin F are promising compounds to be further explored for their antitumor effects.

Secreted indicators of androgen receptor activity in breast cancer pre-clinical models

PURPOSE

Accumulating evidence has attracted attention to the androgen receptor (AR) as a biomarker and therapeutic target in breast cancer. We hypothesized that AR activity within the tumor has clinical implications and investigated whether androgen responsive serum factors might serve as a minimally invasive indicator of tumor AR activity.

METHODS

Based on a comprehensive gene expression analysis of an AR-positive, triple negative breast cancer patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, 163 dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-responsive genes were defined as an androgen responsive gene set. Among them, we focused on genes that were DHT-responsive that encode secreted proteins, namely KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP, that encode the secreted factors prostate specific antigen (PSA), zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) and prolactin induced protein (PIP), respectively. Using AR-positive breast cancer cell lines representing all breast cancer subtypes, expression of candidate factors was assessed in response to agonist DHT and antagonist enzalutamide. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed on publically available gene expression datasets from breast cancer patients to analyze the relationship between genes encoding the secreted factors and other androgen responsive gene sets in each breast cancer subtype.

RESULTS

Anti-androgen treatment decreased proliferation in all cell lines tested representing various tumor subtypes. Expression of the secreted factors was regulated by AR activation in the majority of breast cancer cell lines. In GSEA, the candidate genes were positively correlated with an androgen responsive gene set across breast cancer subtypes.

CONCLUSION

KLK3, AZGP1 and PIP are AR regulated and reflect tumor AR activity. Further investigations are needed to examine the potential efficacy of these factors as serum biomarkers.

Abiraterone In Vitro Is Superior to Enzalutamide in Response to Ionizing Radiation

Abiraterone acetate and Enzalutamide are novel anti-androgens that are key treatments to improve both progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In this study, we aimed to determine whether combinations of AR inhibitors with radiation are additive or synergistic, and investigated the underlying mechanisms governing this. This study also aimed to compare and investigate a biological rationale for the selection of Abiraterone versus Enzalutamide in combination with radiotherapy as currently selection is based on consideration of side effect profiles and clinical experience. We report that AR suppression with Enzalutamide produces a synergistic effect only in AR-sensitive prostate models. In contrast, Abiraterone displays synergistic effects in combination with radiation regardless of AR status, alluding to potential alternative mechanisms of action. The underlying mechanisms governing this AR-based synergy are based on the reduction of key AR linked DNA repair pathways such as NHEJ and HR, with changes in HR potentially the result of changes in cell cycle distribution, with these reductions ultimately resulting in increased cell death. These changes were also shown to be conserved in combination with radiation, with AR suppression 24 hours before radiation leading to the most significant differences. Comparison between Abiraterone and Enzalutamide highlighted Abiraterone from a mechanistic standpoint as being superior to Abiraterone for all endpoints measured. Therefore, this provides a potential rationale for the selection of Abiraterone over Enzalutamide.

Androgen Receptor-Dependent Mechanisms Mediating Drug Resistance in Prostate Cancer

Androgen receptor (AR) is a main driver of prostate cancer (PCa) growth and progression as well as the key drug target. Appropriate PCa treatments differ depending on the stage of cancer at diagnosis. Although androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) of PCa is initially effective, eventually tumors develop resistance to the drug within 2-3 years of treatment onset leading to castration resistant PCa (CRPC). Castration resistance is usually mediated by reactivation of AR signaling. Eventually, PCa develops additional resistance towards treatment with AR antagonists that occur regularly, also mostly due to bypass mechanisms that activate AR signaling. This tumor evolution with selection upon therapy is presumably based on a high degree of tumor heterogenicity and plasticity that allows PCa cells to proliferate and develop adaptive signaling to the treatment and evolve pathways in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy. The therapy-resistant PCa phenotype is associated with more aggressiveness and increased metastatic ability. By far, drug resistance remains a major cause of PCa treatment failure and lethality. In this review, various acquired and intrinsic mechanisms that are AR‑dependent and contribute to PCa drug resistance will be discussed.

Cross-Resistance to Abiraterone and Enzalutamide in Castration Resistance Prostate Cancer Cellular Models Is Mediated by AR Transcriptional Reactivation

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and novel hormonal agents (NHAs) (Abiraterone and Enzalutamide) are the goal standard for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) treatment. Although ADT is initially effective, a subsequent castration resistance status (CRPC) is commonly developed. The expression of androgen receptor (AR) alternative splicing isoforms (AR-V7 and AR-V9) has been associated to CRPC. However, resistance mechanisms to novel NHAs are not yet well understood. Androgen-dependent PCa cell lines were used to generate resistant models to ADT only or in combination with Abiraterone and/or Enzalutamide (concomitant models). Functional and genetic analyses were performed for each resistance model by real-time cell monitoring assays, flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. In androgen-dependent PCa cells, the administration of Abiraterone and/or Enzalutamide as first-line treatment involved a critical inhibition of AR activity associated with a significant cell growth inhibition. Genetic analyses on ADT-resistant PCa cell lines showed that the CRPC phenotype was accompanied by overexpression of AR full-length and AR target genes, but not necessarily AR-V7 and/or AR-V9 isoforms. These ADT resistant cell lines showed higher proliferation rates, migration and invasion abilities. Importantly, ADT resistance induced cross-resistance to Abiraterone and/or Enzalutamide. Similarly, concomitant models possessed an elevated expression of AR full-length and proliferation rates and acquired cross-resistance to its alternative NHA as second-line treatment.

Increased Expression of AKT3 in Neuroendocrine Differentiated Prostate Cancer Cells Alters the Response Towards Anti-Androgen Treatment

Patients with advanced prostate carcinoma are often treated with an androgen deprivation therapy but long-term treatment can result in a metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. This is a more aggressive, untreatable tumor recurrence often containing areas of neuroendocrine differentiated prostate cancer cells. Using an in vitro model of NE-like cancer cells, it could previously be shown that neuroendocrine differentiation of LNCaP cells leads to a strong deregulation of mRNA and miRNA expression. We observe elevated RNA and protein levels of AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 3 (AKT3) in neuroendocrine-like LNCaP cells. We used prostate resections from patients with neuroendocrine prostate cancer to validate these results and detect a co-localization of neuroendocrine marker genes with AKT3. Analysis of downstream target genes FOXO3A and GSK3 strengthens the assumption AKT3 may play a role in neuroendocrine differentiation. Overexpression of AKT3 shows an increased survival rate of LNCaP cells after apoptosis induction, which in turn reflects the significance in vivo or for treatment. Furthermore, miR-17, -20b and -106b, which are decreased in neuroendocrine-like LNCaP cells, negatively regulate AKT3 biosynthesis. Our findings demonstrate AKT3 as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic tool in advanced neuroendocrine prostate cancer and a new mRNA-miRNA interaction with a potential role in neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer.