Objective To investigate the effects of leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing (LRPPRC) on proliferation and apoptosis in hormone resistant prostate cancer cells. Methods LRPPRC and androgen receptor (AR) expressions in DU145 and LNCaP cells were detected by Western blot analysis. The siRNA targeting LRPPRC gene was transiently transfected into DU145 cells. LRPPRC expression was detected by reverse transcription PCR and Western blot analysis. The cell survival rate was analyzed by MTT assay. ATP was measured by luciferin-luciferase assay. The cell apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining. Caspase-3, Bcl2 and BAX protein expressions were detected by Western blot analysis. Results DU145 and LNCaP cells highly expressed LRPPRC. LNCaP cells highly expressed AR, while no expression of AR was observed in DU145 cells. Down-regulation of LRPPRC decreased cell survival rate and ATP level, increased apoptosis rate and caspase-3 activation, and decreased Bcl2 expression in DU145 cells. Conclusion Knock-down of LRPPRC promotes apoptosis of hormone resistant prostate cancer cells.