FKBP52 is an Hsp90-binding immunophilin and peptidyl-prolyl isomerase that acts as a positive regulator of steroid hormone receptor signaling, especially androgen receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, and progesterone receptor pathways
[1][2]. Mechanistically, FKBP52 associates with receptor-Hsp90 complexes, supports hormone binding and receptor localization, and directly binds the folded, ligand-bound glucocorticoid receptor in the GR:Hsp90:FKBP52 complex
[2][3]. In prostate cancer models, FKBP52 supports androgen receptor activity, β-catenin interaction with AR, AR dimer formation, chromatin binding, and phosphorylation
[4][5][6]. Compared with the related isoform FKBP51, FKBP52 shows functional divergence despite structural similarity, and cryo-EM evidence shows FKBP51 competes with FKBP52 for GR:Hsp90 binding and antagonizes FKBP52-dependent GR activity
[2][3]. For experimental applications, MJC13 inhibits FKBP52-regulated AR signaling by preventing hormone-dependent dissociation of the Hsp90-FKBP52-AR complex and by blocking β-catenin interaction with the AR ligand-binding domain
[4][5].