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Semin Reprod Med 2015; 33(03): 225-234
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1552989
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Cell-Based Assays for Screening Androgen Receptor Ligands

Carmela Campana
1   Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
2   Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
,
Vincenzo Pezzi
2   Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende (CS), Italy
,
William E. Rainey
1   Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
02 June 2015 (online)

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Abstract

The androgen receptor (AR, NR3C4) mediates the majority of androgen effects on target cells. The AR is activated following ligand binding that result is enhanced of target gene transcription. Several cell-based model systems have been developed that allow sensitive detection and monitoring of steroids or other compounds with AR bioactivity. Most cell-based AR reporter models use transgenic gene constructs that include an androgen response element that controls reporter gene expression. The DNA cis-regulatory elements that respond to AR share sequence similarity with cis-regulatory elements for glucocorticoid (GR, NR3C1), mineralocorticoid (MR, NR3C2), and progesterone (PGR, NR3C3) receptors, which has compromised AR selectivity for some models. In recent years, the sensitivity and selectivity of AR bioassays have been significantly improved through careful selection of cell models, utilization of improved reporter genes, and the use of yeast two-hybrid AR systems. This review summarizes and compares the currently available androgen-responsive cell model systems.

Keywords

androgen receptor - luciferase - GFP - in vitro bioassay - reporter gene assays
 

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