Chen, Dongqing

ScopeAndrogen receptor (AR) signaling is critical for all aspects of prostate growth and tumorigenesis. The glucosinolate‐derived phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) has recently been demonstrated to reduce the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) and inhibit PCa cell growth. We previously reported that p300/CBP‐associated factor (PCAF), a co‐regulator for AR, is upregulated in PCa cells through suppression of the mir‐17 gene. Here, we assessed the effects of PEITC on PCAF expression and AR‐regulated transcriptional activity in PCa cells.Methods and resultsUsing AR‐responsive LNCaP cells, we observed the inhibitory effects of PEITC on the dihydrotestosterone‐stimulated AR transcriptional activity and cell growth of PCa cells. Interestingly, overexpression of PCAF attenuated the inhibitory effects of PEITC on dihydrotestosterone‐stimulated AR transcriptional activity. Expression of PCAF was upregulated in PCa cells through suppression of miR‐17. PEITC treatment significantly decreased PCAF expression and promoted transcription of miR‐17 in LNCaP cells. Functional inhibition of miR‐17 attenuated the suppression of PCAF in cells treated by PEITC.ConclusionOur results indicate that PEITC inhibits AR‐regulated transcriptional activity and cell growth of PCa cells through miR‐17‐mediated suppression of PCAF, suggesting a new mechanism by which PEITC modulates PCa cell growth.