A genetic sequence change in the 3'-noncoding region of the androgen receptor gene in prostate carcinoma

Objective: We intended to identify structural changes in the hormone-binding domain and C-terminal region of the androgen receptor (AR) gene in carcinoma of prostate specimens. Methods: Twelve prostate cancer specimens from prostate resections were analyzed for the presence of mutations in the E-H exons and part of the 3'-untranslated region of the AR cDNA, using RT-PCR and direct sequencing. Results: A polymorphic sequence spanning 17 nucleotides was identified in the 3'-untranslated region of the AR cDNA from one prostate carcinoma tissue, suggesting the presence of a somatic mutation. No mutations were identified in the coding sequence of the hormone-binding domain of the AR cDNA. Conclusion: These results suggest that AR mutations are probably uncommon molecular events in the early stages of prostate cancer.