RNA-seq analysis of BAP18 knockdown in prostate cancer cell line 22Rv1

BPTF associated protein of 18kDa (BAP18) has been reported as a component of MLL1-WDR5 complex. However, BAP18 is an uncharacterized protein. The detailed biological functions of BAP18 and underlying mechanisms have not been defined. Androgen receptor (AR), a member of transcription factor, plays an essential role in prostate cancer (PCa) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. Here we demonstrate that BAP18 is identified as a coactivator of AR and facilitates the recruitment of MLL1 subcomplextoAR target genes. Knockdown of BAP18 attenuates cell growth and proliferation of PCa cells. Moreover, BAP18 depletion results in inhibition of xenograft tumor growth in mice even under androgen-depletion conditions. Our data suggest that BAP18 as an epigenetic modifier regulates AR-induced transactivation and the function of BAP18 might be targeted in human PCa to promote tumor growth and progression to castration-resistance. Overall design: 22Rv1 cells carrying shBAP18 or shCtrl were cultured in hormone-free medium for 48 hours and then treated with or withoutDHT (10nM) for 24 hours prior to RNA-seq assays.