Identification of druggable targets from the interactome of the Androgen Receptor and Serum Response Factor pathways in prostate cancer

What is it about?

The androgen receptor (AR) is an important protein in prostate cancer, responsible for cancer cells to grow and proliferate. Current therapies for metastatic prostate cancer target AR. However, after a while, cancer cells devise mechanisms to survive even when AR is targeted. One of these mechanisms is to rely on other proteins that help AR in promoting survival of cancer cells. One of these proteins is called serum response factor (SRF). Studies have shown that AR and SRF work together to promote survival of cancer cells. In this study we have identified a list of proteins that interact with both AR and SRF. These proteins can be used as molecular targets to block both AR and SRF action, resulting in more effective treatments for prostate cancer.

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Photo by Growtika on Unsplash

Photo by Growtika on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study has identified possible therapeutic targets for prostate cancer. Some of these proteins are already under investigation in clinical settings while others were discovered for the first time. These proteins can be targeted singly, offering additional options to treat prostate cancer patients. They can also be targeted simultaneously, resulting in a more potent effect at lower doses of the single drugs, leading to less side effects for patients and reduced costs for health systems.

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