Loss of epithelial AR increase castration resistant stem-like prostate cancer cells and promotes cancer metastasis via TGF-β1/EMT pathway.

Background: Previous study has reported that loss of epithelial androgen receptor (AR) may promote tumor progression and cause TRAMP mouse model die earlier. The detail mechanisms, however, remain unclear.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry assay, Western blot and real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers.