Why we funded it
This project will characterise the activation and destruction of
the androgen (hormone) receptor protein, which is a key molecule in
prostate cancer growth. This will potentially lead to development
of a second line of therapy to benefit patients with advanced
prostate cancer who no longer respond to currently used
therapies.
Scientific title
The role of ubiquitin in androgen receptor function in prostate
cancer.
Research project summary
Hormone therapy is the mainstay of treatment for advanced
prostate cancer that has spread beyond the confines of the
prostate. Unfortunately, it is only effective for a time and
eventually the cancer escapes control and resumes growth.
This study will examine one of the possible reasons behind the
failure of hormone therapy for advanced prostate cancer by studying
an important regulator of prostate cancer growth - the androgen
receptor (AR) protein.
Professor Robson's research team have already found evidence
that the switch that turns the AR protein on and off stops working
properly as prostate cancer progresses. This project will
examine this switch in detail, specifically to understand whether
it is the inability to turn the AR protein off that contributes to
tumours becoming hormone resistant and recurring. Only by
understanding this process can researchers begin to develop a new
line of therapy targeted at the AR protein to extend survival for
men with the most advanced stage of prostate cancer.