The role of androgen receptor-regulated genes in prostate cancer progression

Androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in the development and function of the normal prostate gland, as well as in prostate cancer progression. Androgen regulated gene expression is modulated by transcriptional activity of AR. Androgen deprivation therapy, which blocks the androgen-dependent activity of AR, usually relieves symptoms of advanced prostate cancer. However, the cancer eventually progresses to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), where AR remains active, even at castrate-levels of androgen. Identification of direct AR-regulated gene will help us to understand the global aspects of AR signaling and the roles of AR target genes in prostate cancer. Direct AR regulated genes have been identified through integrated analysis of AR binding sites by ChIP-chip or ChIP-seq techniques and gene expression profiles. Here we will review the genome-wide AR binding sites in target genes and their roles in prostate cancer progression.