G protein-coupled receptors provide survival signals in prostate cancer

Clin Prostate Cancer. 2002 Dec;1(3):177-81. doi: 10.3816/cgc.2002.n.020.

Abstract

Prostate cancer is the leading cause for noncutaneous cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The disease is biologically characterized as being either androgen dependent or androgen independent. Whereas androgen-dependent prostate cancer can be successfully treated with androgen ablative therapy, to date no cure exists for androgen-independent disease. Mechanisms involved in the progression of prostate cancer to androgen independence are not known. Here we present evidence that in addition to growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases, G protein- coupled receptors can mediate survival signals in prostate cancer cells. The G protein- coupled receptors exert their effects by activating multiple intracellular signal transduction networks that promote prostate cancer cell survival, including the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, protein kinase B (Akt) and nuclear factor-kB. Prostate-expressed G protein- coupled receptors and their downstream effectors may prove to be effective targets in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Survival
  • Enzyme Activation
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • NF-kappa B
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • GTP-Binding Proteins