The androgen receptor in the prostate physiopathology

摘要

The biological effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the main androgens in mammals, are mediated through the androgen receptor (AR), a transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. When androgens bind to AR, it is activated, translocated to the nucleus and bound to specific DNA sequences. In the prostate, AR perform the growth, differentiation and survival of epithelial cells, however, also participates in the development and progression of pathologies, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). The PCa is of great interest because it is the most commonly diagnosed and one of the leading causes of death in Mexico. At the beginning of its development, the PCa is dependence on androgens, which explains the classical approach towards the blockade of androgens, resulting in decreased neoplastic growth. Nevertheless, sooner or later, PCa becomes independent to the androgens, resuming growth in a more aggressive form. Thus, the progression of a cancer from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent is a critical step in the progression of the disease. It is unknown the mechanism by which this transition occurs, however, is thought AR plays a critical role. Thus, this review describes the central role played by the AR in the prostate physiology and development of PCa.