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Grivas PD, Tzelepi V, Sotiropoulou-Bonikou G, Kefalopoulou Z, Papavassiliou AG, Kalofonos H. Estrogen receptor alpha/beta, AIB1, and TIF2 in colorectal carcinogenesis: do coregulators have prognostic significance? Int J Colorectal Dis 2009; 24:613-22. [PMID: 19198856 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-009-0647-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Estrogen receptor beta (ER beta) is abundantly expressed in colorectal tissue, but its role in colorectal carcinogenesis remains elusive. Estrogen receptor coregulators, amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) and transcription intermediary factor 2 (TIF2), have been well-characterized, but their expression in colorectal carcinomas has not been investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), ER beta, AIB1, and TIF2 protein expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in colorectal normal mucosa, adenomas, and adenocarcinomas from 110 patients with colorectal cancer. RESULTS ER alpha expression was rare in colorectal tissue and its expression does not appear to be associated with colorectal carcinogenesis. ER beta, AIB1, and TIF2 were detected in the nucleus of epithelial, endothelial, inflammatory, smooth muscle cells, and myofibroblasts. The expression of the three proteins was significantly increased in epithelial cells of carcinomas compared to normal mucosa. In carcinomas, a significant correlation between the levels of expression of AIB1 and TIF2 was noted. Although AIB1 overexpression was associated with local tumor invasion, it was also found to correlate independently with prolonged overall survival. CONCLUSIONS ER beta, AIB1, and TIF2 appear to be involved in colorectal tumorigenesis and might have prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros D Grivas
- Division of Oncology and Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Medical School, University of Patras, 26504, Patras, Greece
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52
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Honma N, Saji S, Kurabayashi R, Aida J, Arai T, Horii R, Akiyama F, Iwase T, Harada N, Younes M, Toi M, Takubo K, Sakamoto G. Oestrogen receptor-beta1 but not oestrogen receptor-betacx is of prognostic value in apocrine carcinoma of the breast. APMIS 2009; 116:923-30. [PMID: 19132986 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2008.01122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Apocrine carcinoma of the breast, which frequently expresses oestrogen receptor-beta (ER-beta) in the absence of ER-alpha and only infrequently is treated endocrinologically, gives an opportunity to investigate the clinicopathological role of ER-beta in breast cancer independent of ER-alpha expression or tamoxifen treatment. Several isotypes of ER-beta, ER-beta1-5 etc., have been identified thus far; however, the clinicopathological importance of each ER-beta isotype in breast cancer is still uncertain. Here we aimed to clarify the clinicopathological importance of ER-beta1 and ER-betacx (ER-beta2) in apocrine carcinomas, immunohistochemically examining expressions of ER-beta1 and ER-betacx in 47 apocrine carcinomas. Positivity for ER-beta1 and ER-betacx was observed in 41 (87%) and 18 (38%) of 47 cases, respectively. ER-beta1 positivity was related to smaller tumor size (P=0.0359), lower histological grade (P=0.0322), and higher disease-free survival (P<0.0001), whereas ER-betacx status was related to none of these parameters. ER-beta1 positivity was also associated with favorable clinical outcome in 24 so-called triple-negative (ER-alpha-negative/PR-negative/HER2-negative) apocrine carcinomas. ER-beta1 itself, independent of ER-alpha expression and tamoxifen treatment, seems to have a tumor-suppressive effect, at least in apocrine carcinomas. Further study of ER-beta1 is desired to optimize breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Honma
- Research Team for Geriatric Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
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53
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Speirs V, Shaaban AM. Role of ERβ in Clinical Breast Cancer. Cancer Treat Res 2009; 147:1-20. [PMID: 21461830 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09463-2_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Speirs
- Section of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK,
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Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER) exists in two forms known as ERalpha and ERbeta. Currently, a clinical role has only been established for ERalpha. The primary use of ERalpha in breast cancer is for predicting likely response to hormone treatment. Patients with breast cancers expressing ERalpha are approximately seven to eight times more likely to benefit from endocrine therapy than ERalpha-negative patients. For the initial three to five years after primary diagnosis, ERalpha-positive patients generally have a better outcome than ERalpha-negative patients. Overall, however, the prognostic value of ERalpha is relatively weak and only of limited value in the clinically important subgroup of patients with lymph node-negative disease. Further work is required to establish if ERbeta has a clinical role in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Duffy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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55
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Fox EM, Davis RJ, Shupnik MA. ERbeta in breast cancer--onlooker, passive player, or active protector? Steroids 2008; 73:1039-51. [PMID: 18501937 PMCID: PMC2583259 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2007] [Revised: 04/08/2008] [Accepted: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of estrogen exposure in breast cancer risk is well-documented, and both estrogen synthesis and actions through the estrogen receptor (ER) have been targeted by therapies to control hormone-dependent breast cancer. The discovery of a second ER form and its therapeutic implications sparked great interest. Both the original ERalpha and the more recently identified ERbeta subtypes bind and respond similarly to many physiological and pharmacological ligands. However, differences in phytoestrogen binding have been noted, and subtype-specific ligands have been developed. Cell-based assays show that ERbeta and its variants are generally less active on gene transcription than ERalpha, and may influence ERalpha activity; however, both gene- and cell-specific responses occur, and nongenomic activities are less well explored. Specific ligands, and methods to disrupt or eliminate receptor subtype expression in animal and cell models, demonstrate that the ERs have both overlapping and distinct biological functions. Overall, in cell-based studies, ERalpha appears to play a predominant role in cell proliferation, and ERbeta is suggested to be antiproliferative. The potential for distinct populations of breast tumors to be identified based on ER subtype expression, and to exhibit distinct clinical behaviors, is of greatest interest. Several studies suggest that the majority of ER-positive tumors contain both subtypes, but that some tumors contain only ERbeta and may have distinct clinical behaviors and responses. Expression of ERbeta together with ERalpha favors positive responses to endocrine therapy in most studies, and additional studies to determine if the addition of ERbeta to ERalpha as a tumor marker is of clinical benefit are warranted. In contrast, the positive association between ERbeta and HER2 expression in high-grade ERalpha-negative breast cancer does not favor positive responses to endocrine therapy. Expression of ERbeta in specific clinical subpopulations, and the potential for therapies targeting ERbeta specifically, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Rebecca J. Davis
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
| | - Margaret A. Shupnik
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903
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56
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Honma N, Horii R, Iwase T, Saji S, Younes M, Takubo K, Matsuura M, Ito Y, Akiyama F, Sakamoto G. Clinical importance of estrogen receptor-beta evaluation in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. J Clin Oncol 2008; 26:3727-34. [PMID: 18669459 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.14.2968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The clinicopathologic importance of a second estrogen receptor (ER), ER-beta, in breast cancers has been intensely studied; however, there is still no real consensus regarding the clinical utility of an ER-beta assay, probably because of the lack of standardized methodology, the presence of several ER-beta isotypes (ER-beta1-5, and so on), and, more importantly, the lack of convincing data on whether the ER-beta status provides clinically useful information over what is already provided by the traditional ER-alpha/progesterone receptor (PR) assay. A large and systematic study is needed to address these important issues. PATIENTS AND METHODS Archival materials of 442 invasive breast cancers from women treated with adjuvant tamoxifen monotherapy and with a long follow-up period (median, 11.1 years) were subjected to immunohistochemical study using three commercially available anti-ER-beta antibodies that detect ER-beta1-3 (ER-betaN), ER-beta1, and ER-betacx (ER-beta2). RESULTS Positive staining for ER-betaN or ER-beta1 was associated with significantly better survival. By contrast, ER-betacx status did not influence survival. In multivariate analysis, ER-beta1 status emerged as an independent predictor of recurrence and mortality. ER-beta1 status was significantly associated with survival in postmenopausal, but not premenopausal, women. Importantly, ER-beta1 positivity was associated with significantly better survival in patients with ER-alpha-negative/PR-negative or ER-alpha-negative/PR-negative/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (triple-negative) tumors, which are widely believed to be hormone unresponsive, have poor prognosis, and require chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Immunohistochemical examination of ER-beta1 in addition to ER-alpha and PR is clinically important in patients with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen monotherapy. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Honma
- Research Team for Geriatric Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
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57
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Litwiniuk MM, Rożnowski K, Filas V, Godlewski DD, Stawicka M, Kaleta R, Bręborowicz J. Expression of estrogen receptor beta in the breast carcinoma of BRCA1 mutation carriers. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:100. [PMID: 18405391 PMCID: PMC2387169 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Accepted: 04/13/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancers (BC) in women carrying mutations in BRCA1 gene are more frequently estrogen receptor negative than the nonhereditary BC. Nevertheless, tamoxifen has been found to have a protective effect in preventing contralateral tumors in BRCA1 mutation carriers. The identification of the second human estrogen receptor, ERbeta, raised a question of its role in hereditary breast cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of ERalpha, ERbeta, PgR (progesterone receptor) and HER-2 expression in breast cancer patients with mutated BRCA1 gene and in the control group. METHODS The study group consisted of 48 women with BRCA1 gene mutations confirmed by multiplex PCR assay. The patients were tested for three most common mutations of BRCA1 affecting the Polish population (5382insC, C61G, 4153delA). Immunostaining for ERalpha, ERbeta and PgR (progesterone receptor) was performed using monoclonal antibodies against ERalpha, PgR (DakoCytomation), and polyclonal antibody against ERbeta (Chemicon). The EnVision detection system was applied. The study population comprised a control group of 120 BC operated successively during the years 1998-99. RESULTS The results of our investigation showed that BRCA1 mutation carriers were more likely to have ERalpha-negative breast cancer than those in the control group. Only 14.5% of BRCA1-related cancers were ERalpha-positive compared with 57.5% in the control group (P < 0.0001). On the contrary, the expression of ERbeta protein was observed in 42% of BRCA1-related tumors and in 55% of the control group. An interesting finding was that most hereditary cancers (75% of the whole group) were triple-negative: ERalpha(-)/PgR(-)/HER-2(-) but almost half of this group (44.4%) showed the expression of ERbeta. CONCLUSION In the case of BRCA1-associated tumors the expression of ERbeta was significantly higher than the expression of ERalpha. This may explain the effectiveness of tamoxifen in preventing contralateral breast cancer development in BRCA1 mutation carriers.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/surgery
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/surgery
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/agonists
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/biosynthesis
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Estrogen Receptor beta/biosynthesis
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, BRCA1
- Genes, erbB-2
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Neoplasm Staging
- Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators/administration & dosage
- Tamoxifen/administration & dosage
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria M Litwiniuk
- Clinic of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Violetta Filas
- Clinic of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | | | | | - Jan Bręborowicz
- Clinic of Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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58
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Teng J, Wang ZY, Jarrard DF, Bjorling DE. Roles of estrogen receptor alpha and beta in modulating urothelial cell proliferation. Endocr Relat Cancer 2008; 15:351-64. [PMID: 18310301 PMCID: PMC3513362 DOI: 10.1677/erc.1.01255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
We reported previously that both subtypes of estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta, are expressed by human urothelial cells and mediate estrogen-induced cell proliferation in these cells. The aim of this study was to determine the extent to which each ER subtype contributes to urothelial cell proliferation and their possible involvement in the regulation of the cell cycle. We compared the expression of ERalpha and ERbeta mRNAs and protein quantitatively in primarily cultured human bladder urothelial cells obtained from six individuals with three immortalized urothelial (E6, E7, and UROtsa) and two bladder cancer cell lines (HTB-9 and T24). We found that all these cells express similar levels of ERbeta, but immortalized and cancer cells express much higher amounts of ERalpha than primary cells. Higher levels of ERalpha mRNA were also observed in the biopsies of bladder transitional cell carcinoma compared with sample from the same bladder unaffected by tumor. Using the ERalpha-selective agonist PPT, the ERbeta-selective agonist DPN, and specific small interfering RNA against ERalpha or ERbeta, we found that ERbeta predominantly mediates estrogen-induced G1/S transition and cell proliferation in the primary urothelial cells. By contrast, ERalpha predominantly mediates estrogen-induced G1/S transition and cell proliferation in bladder cancer cell lines. Furthermore, we found that 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) rapidly induces phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, but U0126, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, does not affect E(2)-induced urothelial cell proliferation. E(2) up-regulated cyclin D1 and cyclin E expression in both the primary and bladder cancer cells, and the cancer cells have higher cyclin D1 and cyclin E expression during G0/G1 phases. Our data suggest that estrogen exerts its effects through different ER subtypes in urothelial cells. Increased expression of ERalpha may contribute to early induction of cyclin D1 and cyclin E during the cell cycle in bladder cancer cells.
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MESH Headings
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Transitional Cell/secondary
- Cell Proliferation
- Cyclin D
- Cyclin E/metabolism
- Cyclins/metabolism
- DNA Primers/chemistry
- Estradiol/pharmacology
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/antagonists & inhibitors
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/metabolism
- Estrogen Receptor beta/antagonists & inhibitors
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Estrogens/pharmacology
- Flow Cytometry
- G1 Phase/drug effects
- G1 Phase/physiology
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Ligands
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- MAP Kinase Kinase Kinases/metabolism
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1/metabolism
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3/metabolism
- Nitriles/pharmacology
- Phenols
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology
- Response Elements
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- S Phase/drug effects
- S Phase/physiology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/drug effects
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured/pathology
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/metabolism
- Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology
- Urothelium/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Teng
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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59
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Skliris GP, Leygue E, Watson PH, Murphy LC. Estrogen receptor alpha negative breast cancer patients: estrogen receptor beta as a therapeutic target. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2008; 109:1-10. [PMID: 18243688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2007.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Clinical management of breast cancer is increasingly guided by assessment of tumor phenotypic parameters. One of these is estrogen receptor (ER) status, currently defined by ERalpha expression. However with the discovery of a second ER, ERbeta and its variant isoforms, the definition of ER status is potentially more complex. In breast tumors there are two ERbeta expression cohorts. One where ERbeta is co-expressed with ERalpha and the other expressing ERbeta alone. In the latter subgroup of currently defined ER negative patients ERbeta has the potential to be a therapeutic target. Characterization of the nature and role of ERbeta in ERalpha negative tumors is essentially unexplored but available data suggest that the role of ERbeta may be different when co-expressed with ERalpha and when expressed alone. This review summarizes available data and explores the possibility that ERbeta signaling may be a therapeutic target in these tumors. Evidence so far supports the idea that the role of ERbeta in breast cancer is different in ERalpha negative compared to ERalpha positive tumors. However, cohort size and numbers of independent studies are small to date, and more studies are needed with better standardization of antibodies and protocols. Also, the ability to determine the role of ERbeta in ERalpha negative breast cancer and therefore assess ERbeta signaling pathways as therapeutic targets would be greatly facilitated by identification of specific downstream markers of ERbeta activity in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Skliris
- Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9
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60
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Green CA, Peter MB, Speirs V, Shaaban AM. The potential role of ER beta isoforms in the clinical management of breast cancer. Histopathology 2008; 53:374-80. [PMID: 18312354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2008.02968.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of a second oestrogen receptor, ER beta, was a subject of much interest, as this suggested a means to improve the prognostic stratification of invasive breast cancer, better predict response to endocrine therapy, develop new chemotherapeutic/chemopreventative drugs and perhaps prevent inappropriate treatment. However, this has not proved to be straightforward with the discovery of five ER beta isoforms and numerous exon deletion variants. This review sets out to identify the present state of knowledge regarding the clinicopathological role of ER beta isoforms and discusses possible reasons for conflicting results arising from recent research findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Green
- Pathology and Tumour Biology, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St James's University Hospital, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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61
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Davies MP, Barraclough DL, Stewart C, Joyce KA, Eccles RM, Barraclough R, Rudland PS, Sibson DR. Expression and splicing of the unfolded protein response gene XBP-1 are significantly associated with clinical outcome of endocrine-treated breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2008; 123:85-8. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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62
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Treeck O, Juhasz-Boess I, Lattrich C, Horn F, Goerse R, Ortmann O. Effects of exon-deleted estrogen receptor β transcript variants on growth, apoptosis and gene expression of human breast cancer cell lines. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2007; 110:507-20. [PMID: 17876701 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-007-9749-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2007] [Accepted: 09/05/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor beta gene codes for a variety of transcript isoforms resulting from alternative splicing, which are expressed both in mammary gland and in breast cancer cells. We studied the function of two exon-deleted ERbeta isoforms recently identified by our group in comparison to ERbeta1 in regulation of growth, apoptosis and gene expression of two breast cancer cell lines with different ERalpha status. Overexpression of ERbeta1, but not of the exon-deleted variants exerted strong antitumoral effects both on ERalpha-positive MCF-7 and ERalpha-negative SK-BR-3 cells. ERbeta1 overexpression slowed growth of MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells in the absence of E2 and also inhibited E2-triggered growth stimulation of MCF-7 cells, but overexpression of the exon-skipped variants did not affect cell growth. Whereas overexpression of ERbeta1 triggered an increased basal and tamoxifen-induced apoptosis of MCF-7 and SK-BR-3 cells, the isoforms ERbetadelta125 or ERbetadelta1256 did not affect cellular tamoxifen response. The observed lack of function of the exon-deleted variants in terms of regulation of proliferation was accompanied both by their inability to affect expression of cyclins D1 and A2, p21 (WAF1) and PR and their disability to modulate estrogen response element (ERE) activation. In contrast, our results demonstrating antitumoral effects of ERbeta1 on breast cancer cells with different ERalpha-status support the hypothesis that ERbeta is able to exert antitumoral actions both on ERalpha-positive and -negative breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Treeck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Regensburg, Landshuter Str. 65, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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63
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Hodges-Gallagher L, Valentine CD, El Bader S, Kushner PJ. Estrogen receptor beta increases the efficacy of antiestrogens by effects on apoptosis and cell cycling in breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2007; 109:241-50. [PMID: 17638070 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-007-9640-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2007] [Accepted: 06/01/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Clinical evidence indicates that higher levels of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) predicts improved disease-free and overall survival in patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. To better understand the mechanisms in which ERbeta can modulate breast cancer therapies, we introduced ERbeta under an inducible promoter into MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In these cells, induction of ERbeta expression led to a shift in the potency and an increase in the efficacy of tamoxifen to inhibit proliferation. A similar effect on breast cancer cells was observed for two other antiestrogens, raloxifene, and fulvestrant. Induced expression of ERbeta did not enhance the antiproliferative effects of small molecule inhibitors that target the epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin growth factor receptor-1 and histone deacetylase, indicating ERbeta specifically cooperates with antiestrogens. The combination of ERbeta expression, which arrests cells in G2, and tamoxifen, which arrests cells in G1, led to a potent blockade of the cell cycle. ERbeta also increased tamoxifen-induced cell death and cooperated with tamoxifen to induce expression of the pro-apoptotic gene bik. In summary, our data indicates that ERbeta increases the efficacy of antiestrogens by effects on apoptosis and on cell cycling and, together with clinical observations, suggests ERbeta could be a valuable prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target.
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Vinayagam R, Sibson DR, Holcombe C, Aachi V, Davies MPA. Association of oestrogen receptor beta 2 (ER beta 2/ER beta cx) with outcome of adjuvant endocrine treatment for primary breast cancer--a retrospective study. BMC Cancer 2007; 7:131. [PMID: 17640362 PMCID: PMC1950511 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-7-131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ) modulates ERα activity; wild type ERβ (ERβ1) and its splice variants may therefore impact on hormone responsiveness of breast cancer. ERβ2/ERβcx acts as a dominant negative inhibitor of ERα and expression of ERβ2 mRNA has been proposed as a candidate marker for outcome in primary breast cancer following adjuvant endocrine therapy. We therefore now assess ERβ2 protein by immunostaining and mRNA by quantitative RT-PCR in relation to treatment outcome. Methods ERβ2-specific immunostaining was quantified in 141 primary breast cancer cases receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy, but no neoadjuvant therapy or adjuvant chemotherapy. The expression of mRNA for ERβ2/ERβcx was measured in 100 cases by quantitative RT-PCR. Statistical analysis of breast cancer relapse and breast cancer survival was performed using Kaplan Meier log-rank tests and Cox's univariate and multivariate survival analysis. Results High ERβ2 immunostaining (Allred score >5) and high ERβ2 mRNA levels were independently associated with significantly better outcome across the whole cohort, including both ERα positive and negative cases (Log-Rank P < 0.05). However, only ERβ2 mRNA levels were significantly associated with better outcome in the ERα + subgroup (Log-Rank P = 0.01) and this was independent of grade, size, nodal status and progesterone receptor status (Cox hazard ratio 0.31 P = 0.02 for relapse; 0.17 P = 0.01 for survival). High ERβ2 mRNA was also associated with better outcome in node negative cases (Log Rank P < 0.001). ERβ2 protein levels were greater in ERα positive cases (T-test P = 0.00001), possibly explaining the association with better outcome. Levels of ERβ2 protein did not correlate ERβ2 mRNA levels, but 34% of cases had both high mRNA and protein and had a significantly better outcome (Log-Rank relapse P < 0.005). Conclusion High ERβ2 protein levels were associated with ERα expression. Although most cases with high ERβ2 mRNA had strong ERβ2 immunostaining, mRNA levels but not protein levels were independently predictive of outcome in tamoxifen-treated ERα + tumours. Post-transcriptional control needs to be considered when assessing the biological or clinical importance of ERβ proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Vinayagam
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, J.K. Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside, UK
- Division of Surgery and Oncology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Breast Services, Linda McCartney Centre, Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - D Ross Sibson
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, J.K. Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside, UK
- Division of Surgery and Oncology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Christopher Holcombe
- Breast Services, Linda McCartney Centre, Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Vijay Aachi
- Department of Pathology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospital NHS Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Michael PA Davies
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, J.K. Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Bebington, Wirral, Merseyside, UK
- Division of Surgery and Oncology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Chen JQ, Russo PA, Cooke C, Russo IH, Russo J. ERbeta shifts from mitochondria to nucleus during estrogen-induced neoplastic transformation of human breast epithelial cells and is involved in estrogen-induced synthesis of mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2007; 1773:1732-46. [PMID: 17604135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2007.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2007] [Revised: 04/28/2007] [Accepted: 05/10/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Both estrogen receptors (ER) alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta) are localized in the nucleus, plasma membrane, and mitochondria, where they mediate the different physiological effects of estrogens. It has been observed that the relative subcellular localization of ERs is altered in several cancer cells. We have demonstrated that MCF-10F cells, the immortal and non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cells (HBEC) that are ERalpha-negative and ERbeta-positive, are transformed in vitro by 17beta-estradiol (E(2)), generating highly invasive cells that are tumorigenic in severe combined immunodeficient mice. E(2)-transformed MCF-10F (trMCF) cells exhibit progressive loss of ductulogenesis, invasive (bsMCF) and tumorigenic (caMCF) phenotypes. Immunolocalization of ERbeta by confocal fluorescent microscopy and electron microscopy revealed that ERbeta is predominantly localized in mitochondria of MCF-10F and trMCF cells. Silencing ERbeta expression with ERbeta-specific small interference RNA (siRNA-ERbeta) markedly diminishes both nuclear and mitochondrial ERbeta in MCF-10F cells. The ERbeta shifts from its predominant localization in the mitochondria of MCF-10F and trMCF cells to the nucleus of bsMCF cells, becoming predominantly nuclear in caMCF cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the mitochondrial ERbeta in MCF-10F cells is involved in E(2)-induced expression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-encoded respiratory chain (MRC) proteins. This is the first report of an association of changes in the subcellular localization of ERbeta with various stages of E(2)-induced transformation of HBEC and a functional role of mitochondrial ERbeta in mediating E(2)-induced MRC protein synthesis. Our findings provide a new insight into one of the potential roles of ERbeta in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Qiang Chen
- Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497, USA.
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66
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Secreto FJ, Monroe DG, Dutta S, Ingle JN, Spelsberg TC. Estrogen receptor α/β isoforms, but not βcx, modulate unique patterns of gene expression and cell proliferation in Hs578T cells. J Cell Biochem 2007; 101:1125-47. [PMID: 17520659 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The actions of 17beta-estradiol (E2) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) have been extensively investigated regarding their ability to act through estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) to perturb estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) growth. However, many BCs also express ERbeta, along with multiple estrogen receptor (ER) splice variants such as ERbetacx, an ERbeta splice variant incapable of binding ligand. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of ER action in BC cells, we stably expressed ERalpha, ERbeta, or ERbetacx under doxycycline (Dox) control in Hs578T cells. Microarrays performed on E2 or 4OH-tamoxifen (4HT) treated Hs578T ERalpha and ERbeta cells revealed distinct ligand and receptor-dependent patterns of gene regulation, while the induction of ERbetacx did not alter gene expression patterns. E2 stimulation of Hs578T ERbeta cells resulted in a 27% decrease in cellular proliferation, however, no significant change in proliferation was observed following the exposure of Hs578T ERalpha or ERbeta cells to 4HT. Expression of ERbetacx in Hs578T cells did not effect cellular proliferation. Flow cytometry assays revealed a 50% decrease in E2-stimulated Hs578T ERbeta cells entering S-phase, along with a 17% increase in G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest. We demonstrate here that ERalpha and ERbeta regulate unique gene expression patterns in Hs578T cells, and such regulation likely is responsible for the observed isoform-specific changes in cell proliferation. Hs578T ER expressing cell-lines provide a unique BC model system, permitting the comparison of ERalpha, ERbeta, and ERbetacx actions in the same cell-line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Secreto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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67
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Skliris GP, Lewis A, Emberley E, Peng B, Weebadda WK, Kemp A, Davie JR, Shiu RPC, Watson PH, Murphy LC. Estrogen receptor-beta regulates psoriasin (S100A7) in human breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2006; 104:75-85. [PMID: 17009105 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-006-9390-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have previously observed a paradoxical relationship of the psoriasin/S100A7 gene with estrogen response in-vitro in ERalpha positive cells but its association with ERalpha negative status in-vivo raising the possibility that S100A7 might be regulated by ERbeta in breast cancer. Using doxycycline-inducible ERbeta and ERalpha expressing MCF-7 cells the hypothesis that psoriasin/S100A7 is ERbeta regulated was investigated To explore the relationship between psoriasin/S100A7 and ERbeta expression in-vivo, we also assessed a cohort of 233 ERalpha negative breast tumors using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry. Psoriasin/S100A7 was increased by 17beta-estradiol (E2) following ERbeta induction, in several clones of ERbeta over-expressing but not in the original MCF-7 cells, nor clones over-expressing ERalpha. The effect of E2 on psoriasin/S100A7 was inhibited by 4-hydroxytamoxifen and ICI 182780 but not with a selective ERalpha antagonist. An ERbeta selective-agonist but not an ERalpha selective-agonist, induced psoriasin/S100A7. This induction still occurred after stable down-regulation of ERalpha using siRNA in ERbeta inducible cells. E2 increased psoriasin/S100A7 mRNA but cycloheximide treatment inhibited this effect. A relationship between ERbeta and psoriasin/S100A7 was observed in the p53 immunohistochemically negative subset of invasive breast tumors in-vivo (r = 0.225, p = 0.046, n = 79). In conclusion we demonstrate that E2 induction of psoriasin/S100A7 can be specifically regulated through ERbeta in-vitro and associated with ERbeta in-vivo. These data support the hypothesis that psoriasin/S100A7 is specifically regulated by ERbeta activity and could be useful to guide future therapies targeting ERbeta in certain phenotypic subsets of breast cancers in-vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Skliris
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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68
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Vermeulen PB, Van Laere SL, Dirix LY. How to measure and report the estrogen (and progesterone) receptor in breast cancer. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2006; 16 Suppl 2:529-32. [PMID: 17010066 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2006.00689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P B Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Group-Oncology Centre, General Hospital Sint-Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium.
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69
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Skliris GP, Leygue E, Curtis-Snell L, Watson PH, Murphy LC. Expression of oestrogen receptor-beta in oestrogen receptor-alpha negative human breast tumours. Br J Cancer 2006; 95:616-26. [PMID: 16880783 PMCID: PMC2360679 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To analyse the phenotype of breast tumours that express oestrogen receptor-β (ERβ) alone tissue microarrays were used to investigate if ERβ isoforms are associated with specific prognostic markers and gene expression phenotypes in ERα-negative tumours. ERα-negative tumours were positive for ERβ1 in 58% of cases (n=122/210), total ERβ in 60% (n=115/192) and ERβ2/cx in 57% of cases (n=114/199). Oestrogen receptor-β1 and total ERβ were significantly correlated with Ki67 (r=0.28, P<0.0001, n=209; r=0.29, P<0.0001, n=191) and with CK5/6, a marker of the basal phenotype (r=0.20, P=0.0106, n=170; r=0.18, P=0.0223, n=158). ERβ2/cx was strongly associated with p-c-Jun and NF-κBp65 (r=0.53, P<0.0001, n=93; r=0.35, P<0.0001, n=176). This study shows that a range of ERβ isoform expression occurs in ERα-negative breast tumours. While expression of ERβ1, total and ERβ2/cx are correlated, individual forms show associations with certain phenotypes that suggest different roles in subsets of ERα-negative cancers. Based on our in vivo observations, ERβ may have the potential to become a therapeutic target in the specific subcohort of ERα-negative breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Skliris
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9
| | - E Leygue
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9
| | - L Curtis-Snell
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9
| | - P H Watson
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9
| | - L C Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E OV9
- E-mail:
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70
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Mori T, Martinez SR, O’Day SJ, Morton DL, Umetani N, Kitago M, Tanemura A, Nguyen SL, Tran AN, Wang HJ, Hoon DS. Estrogen receptor-alpha methylation predicts melanoma progression. Cancer Res 2006; 66:6692-8. [PMID: 16818643 PMCID: PMC2856460 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The role of estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) in melanoma is unknown. ER-alpha expression may be regulated in melanoma via hypermethylation of promoter CpG islands. We assessed ER-alpha hypermethylation in primary and metastatic melanomas and sera as a potential tumor progression marker. ER-alpha methylation status in tumor (n = 107) and sera (n = 109) from American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I to IV melanoma patients was examined by methylation-specific PCR. The clinical significance of serum methylated ER-alpha was assessed among AJCC stage IV melanoma patients receiving biochemotherapy with tamoxifen. Rates of ER-alpha methylation in AJCC stage I, II, and III primary melanomas were 36% (4 of 11), 26% (5 of 19), and 35% (8 of 23), respectively. Methylated ER-alpha was detected in 42% (8 of 19) of stage III and 86% (30 of 35) of stage IV metastatic melanomas. ER-alpha was methylated more frequently in metastatic than primary melanomas (P = 0.0003). Of 109 melanoma patients' sera in AJCC stage I, II, III, and IV, methylated ER-alpha was detected in 10% (2 of 20), 15% (3 of 20), 26% (5 of 19), and 32% (16 of 50), respectively. Serum methylated ER-alpha was detected more frequently in advanced than localized melanomas (P = 0.03) and was the only factor predicting progression-free [risk ratio (RR), 2.64; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.36-5.13; P = 0.004] and overall survival (RR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.41-5.58; P = 0.003) in biochemotherapy patients. Hypermethylated ER-alpha is a significant factor in melanoma progression. Serum methylated ER-alpha is an unfavorable prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Mori
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Steve R. Martinez
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
- Division of Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Steven J. O’Day
- The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Donald L. Morton
- Division of Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Naoyuki Umetani
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Atsushi Tanemura
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Sandy L. Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Andy N. Tran
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - He-Jing Wang
- Division of Biostatistics, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
| | - Dave S.B. Hoon
- Department of Molecular Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, California
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71
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Miller WR, Anderson TJ, Dixon JM, Saunders PTK. Oestrogen receptor beta and neoadjuvant therapy with tamoxifen: prediction of response and effects of treatment. Br J Cancer 2006; 94:1333-8. [PMID: 16622466 PMCID: PMC2361404 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to elucidate the relative importance of oestrogen receptor (ER)α, ERβ and an ERβ variant (ERβ2/βcx) in the response of breast cancers to tamoxifen, tumour levels of each receptor were assessed in 36 patients before and after 3 months of neoadjuvant treatment with tamoxifen (20 mg daily). All patients were postmenopausal women presenting with large ERα-positive breast cancers. Clinical response to treatment was assessed by tumour volume changes as determined from sequential ultrasounds and pathological response by comparison of the tumour morphology before and after treatment. Of 33 cases, 23 (70%) were classified as having a clinical response and 16 (48%) as having a response pathologically. All tumours stained positively for ERα and ERβ and 15 out of 33 (45%) for ERβ2/βcx. There were no significant differences in quantitative expression of any receptor between tumours that subsequently responded and that did not, whether response was assessed clinically or pathologically. Tamoxifen treatment was associated with a decrease in ERα, but an increase was the most frequent change (17 out of 33) in ERβ, and no consistent change was evident in staining of the ERβ2/βcx variant. In summary, ERβ1 and ERβ2/βcx variant protein are detected in ERα-positive breast tumours but their expression is not associated with a response to tamoxifen. Differential changes in ERα and ERβ were seen with treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- W R Miller
- Breast Unit Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - T J Anderson
- Breast Unit Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - J M Dixon
- Breast Unit Research Group, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - P T K Saunders
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK. E-mail:
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72
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Innes HE, Liu D, Barraclough R, Davies MPA, O'neill PA, Platt-Higgins A, de Silva Rudland S, Sibson DR, Rudland PS. Significance of the metastasis-inducing protein AGR2 for outcome in hormonally treated breast cancer patients. Br J Cancer 2006; 94:1057-65. [PMID: 16598187 PMCID: PMC2361240 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior gradient protein-2 (AGR2) is inducible by oestrogen and itself can induce metastasis in a rat model for breast cancer. Here, a rabbit antibody to recombinant human AGR2 was used to assess its prognostic significance in a retrospective cohort of 351 breast cancer patients treated by adjuvant hormonal therapy. The antibody stains 66% of breast carcinomas to varying degrees. The percentage of positive carcinoma cells in tumours directly correlates with the level of AGR2 mRNA (Spearman's rank correlation, P = 0.0007) and protein (linear regression analysis r2 = 0.95, P = 0.0002). There is a significant association of staining of carcinomas for AGR2 with oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) staining and with low histological grade (both Fisher's Exact test P<0.0001). In the ERalpha-positive cases, but not the ERalpha-negative cases, when subdivided into the separate staining classes for AGR2, there is a significantly progressive decrease in patient survival with increased staining (log rank test, P = 0.006). The significant association of staining for AGR2 with patient death over a 10-year period (log rank test P = 0.007, hazard ratio = 3) only becomes significant at 6 years of follow-up. This may be due to the cessation of adjuvant hormonal therapy at an earlier time, resulting in adverse re-expression of the metastasis-inducing protein AGR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Innes
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, JK Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral CH63 4JY, UK
| | - D Liu
- Cancer Tissue Bank Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - R Barraclough
- School of Biological Sciences, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - M P A Davies
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, JK Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral CH63 4JY, UK
| | - P A O'neill
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, JK Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral CH63 4JY, UK
| | - A Platt-Higgins
- School of Biological Sciences, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - S de Silva Rudland
- School of Biological Sciences, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - D R Sibson
- Clatterbridge Cancer Research Trust, JK Douglas Laboratories, Clatterbridge Hospital, Wirral CH63 4JY, UK
| | - P S Rudland
- Cancer Tissue Bank Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Cancer Tissue Bank Research Centre, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK. E-mail:
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73
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Saji S, Hirose M, Toi M. Clinical significance of estrogen receptor beta in breast cancer. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2006; 56 Suppl 1:21-6. [PMID: 16273360 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-005-0107-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the estrogen receptor (ER) beta was discovered in 1996, we have been trying to determine its value as a prognostic and/or predictive factor in breast cancer and its potential as a novel target for pharmacological intervention. Recent progress in cellular experiments has shown that ERbeta works as counter partner of ERalpha through inhibition of the transactivating function of ERalpha by heterodimerization, distinct regulation on several specific promoters by ERalpha or ERbeta, and ERbeta-specific regulated genes which are probably related to its anti-proliferative properties. Accumulated data from protein studies in breast cancer tissues indicate that positive expression of ERbeta appears to correlate with a favorable prognosis. Although the number of studies is small, a positive response to tamoxifen treatment is observed in both ERalpha- and ERbeta-positive populations. The significance of ERbeta2/cx, a splicing variant of ERbeta, remains controversial and needs to be analyzed in further studies. We postulate that a combined evaluation of ERbetacx with progesterone receptor may help the stratification of ERalpha-positive breast cancer. Epidemiological studies of hormone replacement therapy and isoflavone (genistein) consumption indicate the possible contribution of ERbeta-specific signaling in breast cancer prevention. A selective estrogen receptor modulator, which works as an antagonist of ERalpha and an agonist of ERbeta, may be a promising chemo-preventive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigehira Saji
- Department of Surgery and Breast Oncology, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8677, Tokyo, Japan.
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74
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Schwartz AG, Prysak GM, Murphy V, Lonardo F, Pass H, Schwartz J, Brooks S. Nuclear estrogen receptor beta in lung cancer: expression and survival differences by sex. Clin Cancer Res 2006; 11:7280-7. [PMID: 16243798 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A role for estrogens in determining lung cancer risk and prognosis is suggested by reported sex differences in susceptibility and survival. Archival lung tissue was evaluated for the presence of nuclear estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha and ER-beta and the relationship between ER status, subject characteristics, and survival. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Paraffin-embedded lung tumor samples were obtained from 214 women and 64 men from two population-based, case-control studies as were 10 normal lung autopsy samples from patients without cancer. Nuclear ER-alpha and ER-beta expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ER positivity and Cox proportional hazards models were used to measure survival differences by ER status. RESULTS Neither tumor (0 of 94) nor normal (0 of 10) lung tissue stained positive for ER-alpha. Nuclear ER-beta positivity was present in 61% of tumor tissue samples (170 of 278; 70.3% in men and 58.3% in women) and 20% of normal tissue samples (2 of 10; P = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, females were 46% less likely to have ER-beta-positive tumors than males (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.27-1.08). This relationship was stronger and statistically significant in adenocarcinomas (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-0.89). Women with ER-beta-positive tumors had a nonsignificant 73% (P = 0.1) increase in mortality, whereas men with ER-beta-positive tumors had a significant 55% (P = 0.04) reduction in mortality compared with those with ER-beta-negative tumors. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests differential expression by sex and influence on survival in men of nuclear ER-beta in lung cancer, particularly in adenocarcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann G Schwartz
- Population Studies and Prevention Program, and Breast Cancer Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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75
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Shaaban AM, Jarvis C, Moore F, West C, Dodson A, Foster CS. Prognostic Significance of Estrogen Receptor Beta in Epithelial Hyperplasia of Usual Type With Known Outcome. Am J Surg Pathol 2005; 29:1593-9. [PMID: 16327431 DOI: 10.1097/01.pas.0000184807.38037.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic significance of ER-alpha expression in benign proliferative breast disease has been confirmed in epithelial hyperplasia of usual type (HUT). However, little is known about the role of ER-beta in these lesions. Therefore, this study was performed to test the hypothesis that, in HUT lesions, the ratio of ER-alpha:ER-beta is an accurate determinant of breast cancer risk and of predicting subsequent progression to invasive breast cancer. This case-control study analyzed a cohort of benign proliferative breast lesions and foci of ductal HUT in 117 patients with long follow-up (20 years). These foci were analyzed by morphometric image analysis together with immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to ER-beta1 and to ER-alpha. The data were compared with ER-beta expression in all breast carcinomas that subsequently developed in the same patients as well as to ER-alpha expression in the corresponding tissues. In cases that progressed to carcinoma, the ratio of ER-alpha to ER-beta in HUT was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in those that did not progress. None of the HUT foci from patients who progressed to breast cancer were simultaneously ER-alpha negative and ER-beta positive. Using both ER-beta and ER-alpha in a logistic model demonstrated a 75% correct classification rate for the cohort studied. These findings confirm the diagnostic and prognostic value of defining the ER-alpha and ER-beta status of HUT lesions identified morphologically. The data support the hypothesis that high ER-alpha:ER-beta levels characterize those cases within HUT likely to progress to breast cancer. The data also reveal that a reduced level of ER-beta relative to ER-alpha is an accurate predictor of individual cases of HUT likely to progress to invasive breast carcinoma, thus supporting the concept that ER-alpha transcriptional activity is directly modulated by ER-beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer M Shaaban
- Departments of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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77
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Chen JQ, Yager JD, Russo J. Regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain structure and function by estrogens/estrogen receptors and potential physiological/pathophysiological implications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2005; 1746:1-17. [PMID: 16169101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2005.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2005] [Revised: 08/03/2005] [Accepted: 08/03/2005] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that the biological and carcinogenic effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) are mediated via nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) by regulating nuclear gene expression. Several rapid, non-nuclear genomic effects of E2 are mediated via plasma membrane-bound ERs. In addition, there is accumulating evidence suggesting that mitochondria are also important targets for the action of estrogens and ERs. This review summarized the studies on the effects of estrogens via ERs on mitochondrial structure and function. The potential physiological and pathophysiological implications of deficiency and/or overabundance of these E2/ER-mediated mitochondrial effects in stimulation of cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, E2-mediated cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects in target cells are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Qiang Chen
- Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
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78
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Smith RA, Lea RA, Weinstein SR, Griffiths LR. Detection of mRNA levels for the estrogen alpha, estrogen beta and androgen nuclear receptor genes in archival breast cancer tissue. Cancer Lett 2005; 237:248-55. [PMID: 16046054 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2005.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2005] [Revised: 06/03/2005] [Accepted: 06/06/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies in our laboratory have shown association of nuclear receptor expression and histological breast cancer grade. To further investigate these findings, it was the objective of this study to determine if expression levels of the estrogen alpha, estrogen beta and androgen nuclear receptor genes varied in different breast cancer grades. RNA extracted from paraffin embedded archival breast tumour tissue was converted into cDNA and cDNA underwent PCR to enable quantitation of mRNA expression. Expression data was normalised against the 18S ribosomal gene multiplex and analysed using ANOVA. Analysis indicated a significant alteration of expression for the androgen receptor in different cancer grades (P=0.014), as well as in tissues that no longer possess estrogen receptor alpha proteins (P=0.025). However, expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta did not vary significantly with cancer grade (P=0.057 and 0.622, respectively). Also, the expression of estrogen receptor alpha or beta did not change, regardless of the presence of estrogen receptor alpha protein in the tissue (P=0.794 and 0.716, respectively). Post-hoc tests indicate that the expression of the androgen receptor is increased in estrogen receptor negative tissue as well as in grade 2 and grade 3 tumours, compared to control tissue. This increased expression in late stage breast tumours may have implications to the treatment of breast tumours, particularly those lacking expression of other nuclear receptor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Smith
- Genomics Research Centre and Wesley Research Institute, School of Health Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, PMB 50 Gold Coast Mail Centre, Qld. 9726, Australia
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