Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomarker for characterizing prostate cancer and method of using the same. More particularly, the invention relates to method of using a membrane-associated C family G protein-coupled receptor GPRC6A as biomarker of characterizing prostate cancer progression. The present invention also provides a kit for detecting prostate cancer in a subject.

Abstract: A disorder related to a non-genomic androgen response or a metabolic syndrome can be treated, inhibited, and/or prevented by regulating an expression level and/or activity of GPRC6A. Such a method can include identifying an individual with a disorder associated with a non-genomic androgen response or metabolic syndrome; and administering to the individual in need thereof an agent capable of regulating an expression level and/or activity of GPRC6A thereby treating the disorder associated with the non-genomic androgen response or metabolic syndrome. The regulation of GPRC6A can increase or decrease the concentration of a sex hormone within said individual, as needed for a particular disease. Such regulating can also be used to treat, inhibit, or prevent the symptoms of such a disease.