Inhibition of Androgen Receptor Signaling Promotes Prostate Cancer Cell Migration via Upregulation of Annexin A1 Expression

Abstract

Background: Recent studies indicate that androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), the main therapeutic approach for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), accelerates PCa invasion and metastasis. Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a Ca²⁺-regulated phospholipid-binding protein that can promote PCa migration and invasion.

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to determine whether ANXA1 is regulated by ADT and participates in PCa progression after ADT, and to explore the possible mechanism of ANXA1-mediated PCa migration.

Methods: Expression of ANXA1 and androgen receptor (AR) in PCa cell lines and tissues was detected, and the association between these two proteins were analyzed. Expression of ANXA1 was evaluated after AR knockdown or AR inhibition in PCa cell lines. Cell migration of PCa cell liness after ANXA1 knockdown or overexpression was determined by in vitro migration assay. Transcriptome analysis was used to explore the possible mechanism of ANXA1-mediated PCa migration.

Results: ANXA1 expression in PCa cell lines and tissues was reversely associated with AR. In vitro studies revealed an increase in ANXA1 expression after AR knockdown or treatment with AR antagonist. Moreover, functional assays indicated that ANXA1 knockdown in PCa cells significantly inhibited cell migration, while ANXA1 overexpression in PCa cells significantly accelerated cell migration. Transcriptome analysis showed that ANXA1 regulated multiple genes involved in cell junction organization, such as CADM1, LIMCH1 and PPM1F.

Conclusions: Our results indicate that ADT might accelerate PCa metastasis via ANXA1 expression and PCa cell migration.

Keywords: ANXA1; Androgen receptor; Metastasis; Migration; Prostate cancer.