Selective targeting of the androgen receptor-DNA binding domain by the novel antiandrogen SBF-1 and inhibition of the growth of prostate cancer cells

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Abstract
Summary Prostate cancers are reliant on androgens for growth and survival. Clinicians and researchers are looking for potent treatments for the resistant forms of prostate cancer; however, a handful of small molecules used in the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer have not shown potent effects owing to the mutations in the AR (Androgen Receptor). We used SBF-1, a well-characterized antitumor agent with potent cytotoxic effects against different kinds of cancers and investigated its effect on human prostate cancer. SBF-1 substantially inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis, and caused cell cycle arrest in LNCaP and PC3/AR+ prostate cancer cell lines. SBF-1 inhibited the activation of the IGF-1-PNCA pathway, as demonstrated by decreased expression of IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and its downstream Bcl-2 protein. Using microscale thermophoresis (MST) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assays, we observed a direct binding of SBF-1 to the AR. SBF-1 binds to the AR-DBD (DNA-binding domain) and blocks the transcription of its target gene. SBF-1 demonstrated a potent antitumor effect in vivo; it inhibited AR signaling and suppressed tumor growth in animals. Our study suggests that SBF-1 is an inhibitor of the AR and might be used in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Funding Information
  • Nanjing Sky Technology Co. Ltd.

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