Presentation Abstract

Student's Name: Forrest Veillleux '24

Co-registrant Names:

Type of Presentation: Presentation

Presentation Title: "Biomolecular Condensates and Prostate Cancer"

Abstract:

Cancer of the prostate gland is the most common malignancy in men and the second most lethal, resulting in 11% of all cancer-caused deaths. Prostate cancer is dependent on androgen-receptor-mediated transcriptional activation, normally under influence of androgens. Therefore, prostate cancer is treated with androgen ablation therapy – the drug-induced cessation of androgen production along with competitive inhibition of the androgen receptor. However, this therapy is not always effective. Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is defined as the progression of prostate cancer in the absence of androgens. Unfortunately, most patients treated with androgen ablation therapy progress to CRPC, and this disease is currently uncurable. CRPC is mediated by variants of androgen receptor that are active in the absence of androgens – constitutively active variants. Thus, a new drugging approach is necessary. Recently, it has been found that the androgen receptor protein forms biomolecular condensates – regions of differential protein concentration. One drug candidate, EPI-001, has shown promise in abolishing androgen receptor activity through modulation of the protein’s condensate formation. Therefore, we investigated androgen receptor condensate formation, aiming to elucidate mechanisms that will allow for the design of new androgen receptor inhibitors, and possibly new treatments for CRPC.

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