cDNA cloning of a human androgen-induced mRNA exhibiting an early and protein synthesis-independent induction.

The detailed mechanism of action of androgens remains unknown. We have used an androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cell line and a subtractive cDNA hybridisation strategy to enrich for androgen-dependent sequences. This yielded a cDNA clone which exhibits the characteristics of a primary trans-activated target for androgens. This androgen-regulated gene encodes a polyadenylated 4.5 kb mRNA which is induced 30-50-fold within 3 h of treatment with 10 nM dihydrotestosterone. The induction does not require continued protein synthesis as it is maintained in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors.