MP-17.07: Endogenously expressed sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) mediates the steroid response of prostate cancer cells

Abstract

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds plasma androgens and estrogens, participates in the initial steps of a membrane-based steroid signaling pathway in human prostate cells that involves a specific receptor, RSHBG, and is independent of the androgen receptor (AR). We have recently shown that SHBG is locally expressed in prostate cells. We hypothesized that locally expressed SHBG has at least two functions in prostate cells, 1) to regulate membrane based steroid signalling, and 2) to bind androgens intracellularly, thereby regulating AR activity.