Project 2: Mechanisms Driving AR Full Length and Splice Variant Activities and Antagonist Resistance

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Our overall objective has been to dissect transcriptional activation by androgen receptor (AR) and AR splice variants, and mechanisms driving this activity in prostate cancer (PCa) that becomes resistant to second generation AR targeted therapies including abiraterone and enzalutamide. We recently found that AR recruits protein phosphatase 1 (PP1α), which can then dephosphorylate CDK9 and mobilize the P-TEFb complex. In Aim 1 we focus on identification of the PP1 regulatory protein that interacts with the AR ligand binding domain (independently of androgen) that mediates this interaction, and on determining whether/how the AR-V7 splice variant mediates PP1α recruitment and subsequent P-TEFb mobilization. Our previous and current studies also indicate that phosphorylation of S81 in the AR N-terminal domain (NTD) plays a major role in driving transcription, and is a hub for a positive feedback loop that may amplify AR activity at low androgen levels or in the presence of AR antagonists. Therefore, Aim 2 focuses on identification of coactivator interactions that are directly or indirectly regulated by S81 phosphorylation, the role of S81 phosphorylation in AR-V7 activity, and the therapeutic potential of CDK9 inhibitors. Aim 3 then focuses further on AR splice variants. While AR splice variant homodimers can drive transcription, evidence from others and us indicate that heterodimers between AR-FL and AR splice variants play a major role. Therefore, we will test the hypothesis that AR-FL/V7 heterodimers are the major mediators of AR activity in enzalutamide-resistant PCa models. We then will focus on the role of the LBD in these heterodimers, and whether they it may still be a therapeutic target. Finally, we will identify mechanisms in addition to increased expression that appear to be enhancing AR-V7 activity in enzalutamide-resistant PCa cells. The Specific Aims are 1) Determine the molecular basis for PP1α recruitment by AR full length and splice variants, 2) Determine the function of AR S81 phosphorylation in driving AR full length and splice variants, 3) Identify mechanisms through which AR-V7 drives AR activity in ENZ-resistant models.