The relationship between androgen receptor and c-Myc in prostate cancer is complex. Androgen receptor and c-Myc signaling could regulate each other at different stages of prostate carcinogenesis. C-Myc has a role in enzalutamide (anti- androgen) resistance and it seems that regulation of ribosomal proteins through c- Myc has a mechanistic role in this process.

The c-Myc oncogene is implicated in the regulation of the atypical kinase RIOK1 in prostate cancer. RIOK1 is expressed in a number of prostate cancer cell lines and is elevated in cancer tissue specimens. RIOK1 knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Similar results were obtained with its inhibitor toyocamycin. These results indicate a possibility to improve therapy for prostate cancer.

Biography

Zoran Culig completed his studies at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Zagreb. Following extensive research in the field of prostate cancer, particularly detailed studies demonstrating that the androgen receptor is a crucial target in the therapy of prostate cancer progression, he earned his qualification at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Innsbruck in 1999.

Currently, Zoran Culig leads the Department of Experimental Urology at the Medical University of Innsbruck. His research primarily focuses on the role of cytokines and the androgen receptor in the development of therapy resistance in prostate cancer. Recognized for his contributions, he has received multiple awards from the European Organization for Urology and the Association for Basic Research in Urology.

Zoran Culig is a regular contributor to oncological and pathological journals, and since 2019, he holds the position of a full professor of experimental urology at the Medical University of Innsbruck.