Tumor-Specific Expression of Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptides: Transporters as Novel Targets for Cancer Therapy

Figure 5

OATP1B3 provides androgens for prostate cancer cell proliferation. Production of Testosterone (T) in testis is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis via section of LHR (hypothalamic luteinizing hormone-releasing factor) and LH (gonadotropic luteinizing hormone). These hormones regulate gonadal function, including gametogenesis and synthesis of steroid hormones including testosterone (T), which is released into the circulation. It is taken up by prostate cancer cells via OATP1B3. In prostate cancer cells, T is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5-alpha-reductase. DHT activates the androgen receptor (AR) leading to a stimulation of cancer cell proliferation [9, 32].