Human prostate cancer cells (VCaP and AIVCaP): siAR alone (single siRNA) vs. siAR plus OPRK1 (combo-siRNA)

Through comparative genomics using PDX models of androgen-dependent (AD) and castration-resistant (CR) tumors, we identify opioid receptor kappa 1 (OPRK1) as being associated with castration-resistance. Loss of OPRK1 function delays castration-resistance and inhibits castration-resistant growth of prostate cancer cells in culture and in vivo, suggesting OPRK1 as a therapeutic target. To gain insight with regard to biological function of OPRK1 under androgen-depleted condition, we set up two distinct comparisons using VCaP and AIVCaP cells. AIVCaP is an androgen-independent subline of VCaP which we established. VCaP or AIVCaP were treated with siRNA for AR plus siRNA for OPRK1 (combo-siRNA) or siRNA for AR alone (single siRNA) (n = 4 each), and then expression profile gained from microarray analysis of the respective cell line treated with combo-siRNA was compared with that of cells treated with single siRNA. Two cell lines, two-condition experiment: VCaP/AIVCaP treated with siAR alone (single siRNA) vs. siAR plus siOPRK1 (combo-siRNA). Biological replicates: 4 control (single siRNA) replicates, 4 combo-siRNA replicates. *** For VCaP samples, the original raw files have been lost. ***