Resumen
The expression of androgen receptor variants (AR-Vs) is associated with the development of advanced castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs), while prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) have been evaluated as the most dangerous malignant seeding cells. In this study, we found that the overexpression of the processed intracellular domain of JAG1 (JICD) increased the expression of AR-Vs in prostate cancer (PC) cells and enhanced the transactivation of ARs in an androgen-independent as well as androgen-dependent manner. In addition, JICD increased the expression of CSC markers, such as CD133, and altered the expression of components in PCSC-related signaling pathways. These results, together with the increase in cell mobility and stimulation of tumorigenesis by JICD overexpression, suggest a crucial role of JICD in enhancing androgen independence and promoting stem-like properties in PC cells, driving PC cells to be AR positive and CD133high with high self-renewal and survival ability.