Molecular Mechanisms of Prostate Cancer Development in the Precision Medicine Era: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) relies on the activation of the androgen receptor (AR) by androgens. Despite efforts to block this pathway through androgen deprivation therapy, resistance can occur through several mechanisms, including the abnormal activation of AR, resulting in castration-resistant PCa following the introduction of treatment. Mutations, amplifications, and splicing variants in AR-related genes have garnered attention in this regard. Furthermore, recent large-scale next-generation sequencing analysis has revealed the critical roles of AR and AR-related genes, as well as the DNA repair, PI3K, and cell cycle pathways, in the onset and progression of PCa. Moreover, research on epigenomics and microRNA has increasingly become popular; however, it has not translated into the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Additionally, treatments targeting homologous recombination repair mutations and the PI3K/Akt pathway have been developed and are increasingly accessible, and multiple clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we outline the status of PCa research in genomics and briefly explore potential future developments in the field of epigenetic modifications and microRNAs.

Mechanism of baicalein in treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer based on network pharmacology and cell experiments

“…The characteristic of prostate cancer is androgen dependence, and treatment is mainly based on androgen signal deprivation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of prostate cancer are intricate and involve the interplay of various factors ( Maekawa et al, 2024 ). These factors encompass tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, growth factors, signaling molecules, adhesion molecules, angiogenesis, and more ( Vietri et al, 2021 ; Maekawa et al, 2024 ).…”

“…However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence and progression of prostate cancer are intricate and involve the interplay of various factors ( Maekawa et al, 2024 ). These factors encompass tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, growth factors, signaling molecules, adhesion molecules, angiogenesis, and more ( Vietri et al, 2021 ; Maekawa et al, 2024 ). S. baicalensis Georgi (SBG), commonly known as Scutellaria Radix or Huang-Qin, was first recorded in Shennong’s Herbal Classic in around 200 AD ( Xiang et al, 2022 ).…”