Induction of neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein expression in response to androgen deprivation in prostate cancer

A mechanism for survival of prostate cancer cells in an androgen-deprived environment remains elusive. Here, we find that expression of neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) was significantly increased in vivo and in vitro in response to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Increased expression of NAIP corresponded to increased DNA-binding activity of NF-κB that physically associated to previously uncharacterized κB-like sites in the NAIP locus. Importantly, expression of NAIP was significantly increased (p = 0.04) in clinical samples of prostate cancer from patients receiving ADT. Expression of NAIP may be associated with enhanced survival of prostate cancer in response to castration.