A System for Monitoring Ligand-dependent and Ligand-independent Androgen Receptor Activity

Reference #:

MMV-06-042

Inventors/Contributors

Donald J. Tindall, Ph.D., Scott M. Dehm, Ph.D.

Description

The androgen receptor is a protein that mediates androgen signaling in the body. In prostate cells, for example, the androgen receptor can be activated by androgens, such as testosterone, which in turn drives proliferation and survival of these cells. Due to this so-called androgen dependence of prostate tissue, androgen ablation therapy is the current treatment regimen for prostate cancer. Androgen ablation therapy is very effective initially, and causes tumor regression. However, ultimately androgen ablation therapy eventually fails and prostate cancer resumes growth. This stage of the disease is often referred to as androgen-refractory prostate cancer. One of the vents that occurs during the progression from androgen-dependent to androgen-refractory prostate cancer is the androgen receptor obtains the ability to drive proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells without signals from androgens. This is referred to as ligand-independent androgen receptor activation. The system we have invented serves as a monitor, which can measure both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent androgen receptor activity. Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an assay suitable for small molecule drug screening.

Patent Status

Pending