Estrogen action and cytoplasmic signaling cascades. Part I: membrane-associated signaling complexes

Expression of the proto-oncoprotein breast cancer nuclear receptor auxiliary factor (Brx) is altered in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the expression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta), and breast cancer nuclear receptor auxiliary factor (Brx) in eutopic endometrium of normal women and women with endometriosis.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Tertiary care and research center.

PATIENT(S)

Twenty-nine women with endometriosis and 35 healthy ovulatory volunteers of similar ages.

INTERVENTION(S)

Endometrial biopsy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Expression of immunohistochemical staining intensity and localization of ERalpha, ERbeta, and Brx proteins in eutopic endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

RESULT(S)

Expression of ERalpha and ERbeta was highest in the proliferative phase and was similar in both groups. Brx expression differed between healthy volunteers and those with endometriosis. During the proliferative phase, immunostaining intensity of Brx was greater in both the glandular and the stromal compartments of biopsies from patients with endometriosis compared to healthy volunteers; nuclear stromal Brx staining was more common in patients with endometriosis.

CONCLUSION(S)

The spatiotemporal expression of Brx was altered in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis. These findings suggest a fundamental alteration in the endometrium of women who have endometriosis. The role of Brx in ectopic implantation of endometrium deserves further study.

Rapid effects of aromatase inhibition on male reproductive behaviors in Japanese quail

Non-genomic effects of steroid hormones on cell physiology have been reported in the brain. However, relatively little is known about the behavioral significance of these actions. Male sexual behavior is activated by testosterone partly through its conversion to estradiol via the enzyme aromatase in the preoptic area (POA). Brain aromatase activity (AA) changes rapidly which might in turn be important for the rapid regulation of behavior. Here, acute effects of Vorozole, an aromatase inhibitor, injected IP at different doses and times before testing (between 15 and 60 min), were assessed on male sexual behavior in quail. To limit the risk of committing both types of statistical errors (I and II), data of all experiments were entered into a meta-analysis. Vorozole significantly inhibited mount attempts (P < 0.05, size effect [g] = 0.527) and increased the latency to first copulation (P < 0.05, g = 0.251). The treatment had no effect on the other measures of copulatory behavior. Vorozole also inhibited appetitive sexual behavior measured by the social proximity response (P < 0.05, g = 0.534) or rhythmic cloacal sphincter movements (P < 0.001, g = 0.408). Behavioral inhibitions always reached a maximum at 30 min. Another aromatase inhibitor, androstatrienedione, induced a similar rapid inhibition of sphincter movements. Radioenzyme assays demonstrated that within 30 min Vorozole had reached the POA and completely blocked AA measured in homogenates. When added to the extracellular milieu, Vorozole also blocked within 5 min the AA in POA explants maintained in vitro. Together, these data demonstrate that aromatase inhibition rapidly decreases both consummatory and appetitive aspects of male sexual behavior.

Identification, cloning, and expression of human estrogen receptor-alpha36, a novel variant of human estrogen receptor-alpha66

The identification and subsequent cloning of the 66-kDa human estrogen receptor (here termed hER-alpha66), its 46-kDa splice variant hER-alpha46, and the closely related hER-beta have had a profound impact on the generation of new understanding of estrogen-mediated functions and led to progress in diagnosis and treatment of human breast cancer. However, a persistent problem has been that not all findings previously reported in estrogen-stimulated cell proliferation can be explained through the known properties of the different estrogen receptors described. As the consequence of a search for alternative mechanisms to account for these different findings, we have now identified, cloned, and expressed in HEK 293 cells a previously unrecognized 36-kDa variant of hER-alpha66, termed hER-alpha36. hER-alpha36 differs from hER-alpha66 since it lacks both transcriptional activation domains (AF-1 and AF-2) but it retains the DNA-binding domain, and partial dimerization and ligand-binding domains of hER-alpha66. It also contains three myristoylation sites postulated to direct ER-alpha36 to the plasma membrane. It is concluded that ER-alpha36 is a unique variant of ER-alpha66; ER-alpha36 is predicted to function as a dominant-negative effector of hER-alpha66-mediated estrogen-responsive gene pathways and has the potential to trigger membrane-initiated mitogenic estrogen signaling.

Anabolic androgenic steroids and forebrain GABAergic transmission

Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone designed for therapeutic purposes, but now taken predominantly as drugs of abuse. The most common behavioral effects associated with anabolic androgenic steroid use are changes in anxiety, aggression and reproductive behaviors, including the onset of puberty and sexual receptivity. GABAergic circuits in the forebrain underlie these behaviors and are regulated by gonadal steroids. Work from our laboratories has shown that the expression and function of GABA(A) receptors in the rat and mouse forebrain varies between the sexes and across the estrous cycle. We have also shown that there are significant changes in GABA(A) receptor expression that occur with the progression through puberty to adulthood. Because GABAergic systems are both steroid-sensitive and critical for the expression of behaviors altered with anabolic androgenic steroid use, forebrain GABA(A) receptors are an attractive candidate to assess how molecular actions of anabolic androgenic steroids may be translated to known behavioral outcomes. Our studies demonstrate that anabolic androgenic steroids elicit both acute modulation of GABA(A) receptor-mediated currents, as well as chronic regulation of GABA(A) receptor expression and forebrain GABAergic transmission. Because anabolic androgenic steroid use has now become prevalent not only among adolescent boys, but in an increasing number of adolescent girls, we have also been particularly interested in determining age- and sex-specific effects of anabolic androgenic steroids. Our data show that the effects of chronic anabolic androgenic steroid exposure can be greater for adolescent than adult animals and are more marked in females than in males. These data have particularly important implications with respect to studies we have done demonstrating that chronic anabolic androgenic steroid exposure alters the onset of puberty, estrous cyclicity and sexual receptivity.

17beta-estradiol differentially activates mitogen-activated protein-kinases and improves survival following reperfusion injury of reduced-size liver in mice

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R-I), which is unavoidable in liver transplantation, impairs liver regeneration and predisposes to liver failure. The three major mitogen-activated protein-kinases (MAPKs): ERK, p38, and JNK, are critical in the transmission of signals triggered by proinflammatory cytokines, by stress, and by growth factors. JNK and p38alpha activation have been associated with apoptosis; p38beta with cell survival; and ERK with proliferation. Previous studies have demonstrated gender dimorphism in hepatocellular dysfunction after experimental trauma and hemorrhage. Female mice are protected to a much greater extent from I/R-I than male mice. We assessed the effects of 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E) on liver function, host survival, and cellular activation of MAPK in a murine model of I/R-I in reduced-size livers. C57BL/6 mice were subjected to 45 minutes of warm ischemia (70% of the liver mass). After reperfusion, the nonischemic lobes were excised. Vehicle, 17beta-E or the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI-182780, was delivered 1 hour before the injury. We evaluated AST and apoptosis as well as activation of JNK, p38, and ERK. Female mice showed a lower level of hepatocellular injury (AST = 445 +/- 82 IU/L) after I/R-I compared with male mice (AST = 1400 +/- 210). 17beta-E decreased the liver injury in male mice (AST = 522 +/- 77), an effect that was partially reversed by ICI-182,780 (910 +/- 92). A higher rate of apoptosis was observed in male animals given saline (enrichment factor = 7.22 +/- 0.8) versus those treated with 17beta-E (5.85 +/- 0.3, P < .05). A significant increase in liver regeneration, as assessed by the percentage of liver weight/body weight was demonstrated in females (184% +/- 24%) and male mice given 17beta-E (168% +/- 22%) compared with male mice given vehicle (9% +/- 4%). 17beta-E significantly down-regulated JNK and p38alpha activities, whereas I/R-I promoted p38beta and ERK activation. These results suggest that the cytoprotective effects of 17beta-E on I/R-I to reduced-size livers are associated with selective modulation of MAPK kinases.

Estradiol rapidly activates male sexual behavior and affects brain monoamine levels in the quail brain

Steroids are generally viewed as transcription factors binding to intracellular receptors and activating gene transcription. Rapid cellular effects mediated via non-genomic mechanisms have however been identified and one report showed that injections of estradiol rapidly stimulate chemoinvestigation and mounting behavior in castrated male rats. It is not known whether such effects take place in other species and what are the cellular underlying mechanisms. We show here that a single injection of estradiol (500 microg/kg) rapidly and transiently activates copulatory behavior in castrated male quail pre-treated with a dose of testosterone behaviorally ineffective by itself. The maximal behavioral effect was observed after 15 min. In a second experiment, the brain of all subjects was immediately collected after behavioral tests performed 15 min after injection. The preoptic area--hypothalamus (HPOA), hindbrain, telencephalon and cerebellum were isolated and monoamines measured by HPLC-ED. Estradiol increased levels of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and 5-HIAA/serotonin ratios in the telencephalon and hindbrain independently of whether animals had mated or not. Estradiol also affected these measures in HPOA and cerebellum but this effect was correlated with the level of sexual activity so that significant effects of the treatment only appeared when sexual activity was used as a covariate. Interactions between estradiol effects and sexual activity were also observed for dopamine in the HPOA and for serotonin in the hindbrain and cerebellum. Together, these data demonstrate that a single estradiol injection rapidly activates male sexual behavior in quail and that this behavioral effect is correlated with changes in monoaminergic activity.

Growth factors change nuclear distribution of estrogen receptor-alpha via mitogen-activated protein kinase or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase cascade in a human breast cancer cell line

In the present study, to examine the dynamic changes in the localization of nuclear estrogen receptor (ER)alpha induced by growth factors, we used time-lapse confocal microscopy to directly visualized ERalpha fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP-ERalpha) in single living cells treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF) or IGF-I. We observed that 17beta-estradiol (E2) changed the normally diffuse distribution of GFP-ERalpha throughout the nucleoplasm to a hyperspeckled distribution within 10 min. Both EGF and IGF-I also changed the nuclear distribution of GFP-ERalpha, similarly to E2 treatment. However, the time courses of the nuclear redistribution of GFP-ERalpha induced by EGF or IGF-I were different from that induced by E2 treatment. In the EGF-treated cells, the GFP-ERalpha nuclear redistribution was observed at 30 min and reached a maximum at 60 min, whereas in the IGF-I-treated cells, the GFP-ERalpha nuclear redistribution was observed at 60 min and reached a maximum at 90 min. The EGF-induced redistribution of GFP-ERalpha was blocked by pretreatment with a MAPK cascade inhibitor, PD98059, whereas the IGF-I-induced redistribution of GFP-ERalpha was blocked by pretreatment with a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002. Analysis using an activation function-2 domain deletion mutant of GFP-ERalpha showed that the change in the distribution of GFP-ERalpha was not induced by E2, EGF, or IGF-I treatment. These data suggest that MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase cascades are involved in the nuclear redistribution of ERalpha by EGF and IGF-I, respectively, and that the activation function-2 domain of ERalpha may be needed for the nuclear redistribution of ERalpha.

Neuroprotection and protein damage prevention by estradiol replacement in rat hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation

Here we investigated the effects of estradiol replacement in ovariectomized female rats using hippocampal slices exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). OGD induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release to the incubation medium, what was assumed as a parameter of cellular death. In the estradiol-treated group the LDH release was markedly decreased by 23% as compared to the vehicle-treated group. In attempt to study a possible mechanism by which estradiol acts, we investigated some parameters of oxidative stress. In both vehicle-treated and estradiol-treated groups, OGD significantly increased the free radical production by 34% and 16%, respectively, although no significant differences on total antioxidant capacity were observed. Interestingly, estradiol replacement prevented the significant reduction in tryptophan and tyrosine contents caused by OGD observed in vehicle-treated animals. Our results show that estradiol replacement in ovariectomized female rats decreases cellular susceptibility to an ischemic-like injury and suggest a role for the hormone on protein damage prevention.

Estrogen modulates endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase expression via an estrogen receptor beta-dependent mechanism in hypothalamic slice cultures

Although it is evident that estrogen has important physiological effects in the brain, the signaling mechanisms mediating these effects remain unclear. We recently showed that estrogen mediates attenuated blood pressure responses to psychological stress in ovariectomized female rats through brain nitric oxide (NO). An area likely to mediate these effects is the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), because here NO exerts inhibitory effects on autonomic output to the periphery. Because little is known about how estrogen acts on the NO system in the PVN, our aim was to study the effects of estrogen on the NO system in the PVN of hypothalamic slices cultures. We show that 17beta-estradiol (E2; 1 nm) increases endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression and decreases the numbers of neuronal NOS (nNOS)-positive neurons in the PVN after 8 and 24 h, respectively. Using the nonselective estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist, ICI 182,780 (10 nm), we determined that E2-induced changes in NOS expression in the PVN are ER dependent. Using the ERbeta agonist, genistein (0.1 microm), we determined that activation of ERbeta induces increased eNOS expression and a decreased number of nNOS-positive neurons. We used the selective ERalpha agonist, propyl-pyrazole-triol (10 nm), and antagonist, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole (1 microm), to exclude the possibility that ERalpha is involved in the E2-induced increase in eNOS and nNOS in the PVN. These results demonstrate that E2 induces changes in NOS expression in the PVN and that these effects are ERbeta dependent.

Opposite effects of estrogen receptors alpha and beta on MCF-7 sensitivity to the cytotoxic action of TNF and p53 activity

We have investigated the effect of estrogen on p53 cellular location and its influence on tumor cell susceptibility to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-mediated cytotoxic action. For this purpose, we have used the TNF-sensitive human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and its derivative, the TNF-resistant 1001 clone. Our data indicate that although estrogen receptor (ER)alpha is present in both cell lines, estrogen treatment (1x10(-8) M) has an influence only on the MCF-7 cells and protects these cells from the TNF cytotoxicity. This protective effect is associated with translocation of p53 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in p53 wild-type MCF-7 and not in p53-mutated 1001 cells. The translocation of p53 in MCF-7 cells results in a decrease in its transcriptional activity, as revealed by diminished p21(WAF1/CIP1) induction and an altered ratio of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins. The estrogen-induced effects are reversed by the selective estrogen inhibitor 182, 780 (1x10(-6) M). Interestingly, transient transfection of MCF-7 cells with ERbeta but not ERalpha cDNA encoding plasmid results in retention of p53 in the nucleus, a subsequent potentiation of its transcriptional activity, and in an increased MCF-7 sensitivity to TNF. The estrogen effects on p53 location and transcriptional activity may involve the mdm2 protein since both events were reversed following MCF-7 transfection with plasmid encoding the ARF cDNA. These studies suggest that estrogen-induced MCF-7 cell survival in the presence of TNF requires a transcriptionally active p53 and, more importantly, indicate that introduction of ERbeta can attenuate the estrogen effects on the p53 protein location, its transcriptional activity and also results in a potentiation of cell sensitivity to TNF-mediated cell death.

Opposing effects of estradiol- and testosterone-membrane binding sites on T47D breast cancer cell apoptosis

Classical steroid mode of action involves binding to intracellular receptors, the later acting as ligand-activated nuclear transcription factors. Recently, membrane sites for different steroids have been also identified, mediating rapid, non-genomic, steroid actions. Membrane sites for estrogen and androgen have been found in a number of different cell types, bearing or not classical intracellular receptors. In the present study, with the use of radioligand binding, flow cytometry and confocal laser microscopy, we report that T47D human breast cancer cells express specific and saturable membrane receptors for both estrogen (K(D) 4.06 +/- 3.31 nM) and androgen (K(D) 7.64 +/- 3.15 nM). Upon activation with BSA-conjugated, non-permeable ligands (E(2)-BSA and testosterone-BSA), membrane estrogen receptors protect cells from serum-deprivation-induced apoptosis, while androgen receptors induce apoptosis in serum-supplemented T47D cells. In addition, co-incubation of cells with a fixed concentration of one steroid and varying concentrations of the other reversed the abovementioned effect (apoptosis for androgen, and anti-apoptosis for E(2)), suggesting that the fate of the cell depends on the relative concentration of either steroid in the culture medium. We also report the identification of membrane receptors for E(2) and androgen in biopsy slides from breast cancer patients. Both sites are expressed, with the staining for membrane E(2) being strongly present in ER-negative, less differentiated, more aggressive tumors. These findings suggest that aromatase inhibitors may exert their beneficial effects on breast cancer by also propagating the metabolism of local steroids towards androgen, inducing thus cell apoptosis through membrane androgen receptor activation.

Gender and estrogen supplementation increases severity of experimental choroidal neovascularization

Observational clinical studies suggest that post-menopausal women may be at risk for more severe age-related macular degeneration, and that estrogen loss due to menopause may contribute. We sought to determine the effect of gender and estrogen status on the severity of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a mouse model for experimental choroidal neovascularization. Laser-induced CNV was performed in mice with or without estrogen supplementation. At various times, eyes were removed for analysis of severity of CNV lesions or for extraction of choroidal mRNA to evaluate iNOS, TNF-alpha, MMP-9, and ER-alpha expression, which are molecules relevant to angiogenic processes. Also, splenic macrophages were analysed for iNOS to determine the effect of estrogen treatment in vitro. Finally, laser-induced CNV was performed in iNOS -/- mice. Our result showed that aged female mice had significantly larger CNV than age-matched males. Ovariectomy in adult mice did not increase severity, but paradoxically estrogen supplementation after ovariectomy did increase CNV severity. More severe CNV were associated with a significant decrease in choroidal iNOS mRNA. Splenic macrophages from estrogen supplemented mice showed a significant increased in TNF-alpha mRNA expression (eight fold difference compared to the control) but only a mild change in iNOS mRNA levels (2-3 fold difference). In vitro data further showed that nitric oxide production in splenic macrophages at different estrogen levels was not different from controls. Finally, CNV severity was significantly more severe in iNOS -/- mice, compared to iNOS +/+ mice after laser treatment. In conclusion, aged female mice developed more severe CNV than do males. Estrogen replacement seems to increase severity, possibly by suppressing the upregulation of choroidal iNOS and activating macrophages. The putative beneficial or detrimental role of estrogen biology in age-related macular degeneration must be more carefully evaluated and may vary with the stage of age-related macular degeneration (atrophic or neovascular) as well as with the specific target cell type (monocytes vs. endothelial cell or vascular smooth muscle cell).

Methyl mercury influences growth-related signaling in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Environmental contaminants have been shown to alter growth-regulating signaling pathways through molecular mechanisms that are mainly unclear. Here we report that within a narrow concentration range (0.5-1 microM) methyl mercury (MeHg) significantly stimulated growth of MCF-7 cells, induced Ca(2+) mobilization, and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (1/2) (Erk1/2). MeHg modulated E(2)-dependent stimulation of growth in a dose-dependent manner, although MeHg neither suppresses nor increases constitutive E(2) metabolism. MeHg demonstrated weak estrogen receptor (ER)-binding ability. However, long preincubation with antiestrogens LY(156,758) and ICI(164,384) decreased MeHg-induced foci formation, Ca(2+) mobilization, and Erk1/2 activation, confirming involvement of ERs. The MeHg-induced increase in [Ca(2+)](i) was observed to coincide with enhanced Erk1/2 phosphorylation. These data suggest that MeHg can significantly modulate the intracellular signaling environment in MCF-7 cells, resulting in a dose-dependent alteration of ER-mediated estrogenic capacity and therefore should be considered as a potential estrogen-disrupting compound.

Estradiol Protects Against Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation in Rat Hippocampal Organotypic Cultures and Activates Akt and Inactivates GSK-3?

Here we investigated the neuroprotective effect of 17beta-estradiol in an in vitro model of ischemia. We used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures, acute or chronically treated with 17beta-estradiol (10 nM), and exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Cellular death was quantified by measuring uptake of propidium iodide (PI), a marker of dead cells. In OGD exposed cultures, treated only with vehicle, about 70% of the CA1 area of hippocampus was labeled with PI, indicating a great percentage of cellular death. When cultures were treated with 17beta-estradiol (acute or chronically), this cellular death was reduced to 15%. This effect was prevented by LY294002 but was not by PD98059. Immunoblotting revealed that both, chronic and acute, treatments with 17beta-estradiol induced the phosphorylation/activation of Akt and the phosphorylation/inactivation of GSK-3beta. Our results show a clear neuroprotective effect of 17beta-estradiol and suggest that this effect could involve PI3-K pathway.

Oestrogen requires the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor for stimulation of prolactin synthesis via mitogen-activated protein kinase

Sex steroids and growth factors interact at the intracellular level in a variety of tissues to control numerous physiological functions. Oestrogen is known to stimulate prolactin synthesis and secretion, but the effect of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I is less clear. We used GH3 cells, a somatolactotroph cell line, to study the interaction of 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) and IGF-I on prolactin protein levels and the intracellular mechanisms involved. Cell cultures were treated with E(2) (10 nM) and/or IGF-I (10 ng/ml) for 8 h. The real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and enzyme-immunoassay were used to determine changes in prolactin mRNA and protein levels. At this time-point, there were no significant changes in cell number, prolactin mRNA expression, or the amount of secreted prolactin. However, E(2) increased intracellular prolactin concentrations. IGF-I alone had no effect, but blocked the stimulatory effect of E(2). MAPK (ERK1/2) activation, as determined by Western blot analysis, increased with both E(2) and IGF-I, but not with the combination of these factors. The MAPK inhibitor PD98059 blocked the ability of E(2) to increase intracellular prolactin concentrations. Similarly, the IGF-I receptor antagonist, JB1, blocked the effect of E(2) on prolactin synthesis and MAPK activation, as did the oestrogen receptor antagonist ICI182 780. These results suggest that, to stimulate prolactin synthesis, E(2) activates the MAPK cascade and that this requires the presence of both oestrogen and IGF-I receptors.

'In vivo' effects of Bisphenol A in Mytilus hemocytes: modulation of kinase-mediated signalling pathways

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) include a variety of natural and synthetic estrogens, as well as estrogen-mimicking chemicals. We have previously shown that in the hemocytes of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. both natural and environmental estrogens in vitro can rapidly affect the phosphorylation state of components of tyrosine kinase-mediated cell signalling, in particular of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT), that are involved in mediating the hemocyte immune response. These effects were consistent with the hypothesis that 'alternative' modes of estrogen action involving kinase-mediated pathways similar to those described in mammalian systems are also present in invertebrate cells. This possibility was investigated in vivo with Bisphenol A (BPA): mussels were injected with BPA and hemocytes sampled at 6, 12, and 24 h post-injection. The results show that BPA (25 nM nominal concentration in the hemolymph) lead to a significant lysosomal membrane destabilisation at all times post-injection, indicating BPA-induced stress conditions in the hemocytes, whereas lower concentrations were ineffective. BPA induced significant changes in the phosphorylation state of MAPK and STAT members, as evaluated by SDS-PAGE and WB of hemocyte protein extracts with specific antibodies, although to a different degree at different exposure times. In particular, BPA induced a dramatic decrease in phosphorylation of the stress-activated p38 MAPK, whose activation is crucial in mediating the bactericidal activity. Moreover, BPA decreased the phosphorylation of a CREB-like transcription factor (cAMP-responsive element binding protein). The results demonstrate that BPA can affect kinase-mediated cell signalling in mussel hemocytes also in vivo, and suggest that EDCs may affect gene expression in mussel cells through modulation of the activity of transcription factors secondary to cytosolic kinase cascades. Overall, these data address the importance of investigating full range responses to EDCs in ecologically relevant marine invertebrate species.

17Beta-estradiol modulates hMT1 melatonin receptor function

Estrogen modulates expression and function of G-protein-coupled receptors. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of 17beta-estradiol (10 nM) exposure for 1 (E1) or 6 (E6) days on density and function of hMT1 and hMT2 melatonin receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (CHO-MT1/CHO-MT2 cells). This strain of CHO cells expressed both estrogen receptor alpha and beta mRNAs, as determined by RT-PCR amplification. 17beta-Estradiol treatment did not modify the affinity of either receptor; however, it significantly increased the density of 2-[125I]iodomelatonin-binding sites in CHO-MT2 cells. 17beta-Estradiol treatment (1-6 days) did not affect the potency of melatonin to inhibit forskolin stimulation of cAMP formation through activation of either MT1 or MT2 receptors; however, it significantly attenuated the maximal inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cAMP formation induced by melatonin (0.01-1 microM) in CHO-MT1 cells. Melatonin stimulation of [35S]GTPgammaS binding to CHO-MT1 cell membranes was also attenuated following estradiol treatment. The inverse agonist luzindole reduced basal [35S]GTPgammaS binding in estradiol-treated cells but not in control CHO-MT1 cells, suggesting that estradiol promotes constitutive activity of MT1 melatonin receptors. We suggest that 17beta-estradiol differentially affects MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptor functions, attenuates melatonin responses through activation of MT1 receptors, and increases the MT2 receptors density.

Direct effects of sex steroid hormones on adipose tissues and obesity

Sex steroid hormones are involved in the metabolism, accumulation and distribution of adipose tissues. It is now known that oestrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and androgen receptor exist in adipose tissues, so their actions could be direct. Sex steroid hormones carry out their function in adipose tissues by both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. In the genomic mechanism, the sex steroid hormone binds to its receptor and the steroid-receptor complex regulates the transcription of given genes. Leptin and lipoprotein lipase are two key proteins in adipose tissues that are regulated by transcriptional control with sex steroid hormones. In the nongenomic mechanism, the sex steroid hormone binds to its receptor in the plasma membrane, and second messengers are formed. This involves both the cAMP cascade and the phosphoinositide cascade. Activation of the cAMP cascade by sex steroid hormones would activate hormone-sensitive lipase leading to lipolysis in adipose tissues. In the phosphoinositide cascade, diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate are formed as second messengers ultimately causing the activation of protein kinase C. Their activation appears to be involved in the control of preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. In the presence of sex steroid hormones, a normal distribution of body fat exists, but with a decrease in sex steroid hormones, as occurs with ageing or gonadectomy, there is a tendency to increase central obesity, a major risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. Because sex steroid hormones regulate the amount and distribution of adipose tissues, they or adipose tissue-specific selective receptor modulators might be used to ameliorate obesity. In fact, hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women and testosterone replacement therapy in older men appear to reduce the degree of central obesity. However, these therapies have numerous side effects limiting their use, and selective receptor modulators of sex steroid hormones are needed that are more specific for adipose tissues with fewer side effects.

Crosstalk between steroid receptors and the c-Src-receptor tyrosine kinase pathways: implications for cell proliferation

Both steroids and growth factors stimulate proliferation of steroid-dependent tumor cells, and interaction between these signaling pathways may occur at several levels. Steroid receptors are typically classified as ligand-activated transcription factors, and steps by which they bind ligand, dimerize, recruit coregulatory molecules, and activate target gene transcription are well understood. Several steroid responses are functionally linked to c-Src or tyrosine kinase receptors, and the physiological impact and the precise molecular pathways involved in these responses are under intensive investigation. Ligand-independent stimulation of steroid receptor-mediated transcription by growth factors is now believed to occur through activated protein kinases that phosphorylate the receptors and receptor coregulators. Recently, steroid hormones themselves have been shown to rapidly activate intracellular signaling cascades, via binding to cognate cytoplasmic or membrane-associated receptors. In some contexts, steroid receptors interact directly with c-Src and other cytoplasmic signaling molecules, such as Shc, PI3K, and p130 Cas. Crosstalk between growth factors and steroids in both the cytoplasm and nucleus could have profound impact on complex biological processes such as cell growth, and play a significant role in the treatment of steroid-dependent cancers. The potential roles of progesterone and estrogen receptors in this crosstalk are discussed in this review.

Estrogen induces nitric oxide production via activation of constitutive nitric oxide synthases in human neuroblastoma cells

Although it is becoming increasingly evident that nitric oxide (NO) mediates some of estrogen's actions in the brain, the effects of estrogen on NO production through NO synthases (NOS) in neuronal cells have not yet been identified. Here we assessed changes in NO production induced by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in cells of neuronal origin using human SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells, which we show express all three isoforms of NOS. Involvement of NOS isoforms in E2-induced NO production was examined using isoform-specific NOS inhibitors. E2 (10(-10)-10(-6) m) induced rapid increases in NO release and changes in endothelial NOS (eNOS) expression, which were blocked by ICI 182,780, an antagonist of estrogen receptors. Increased levels of NO release and NOS activity induced by E2 were blocked by N5-(1-Imino-3-butenyl)-L-ornithine, a neuronal NOS inhibitor, and N(5)-(1-Iminoethyl)-L-ornithine, an eNOS inhibitor, but not by 1400W, an inducible NOS inhibitor. These results demonstrate that E2-stimulated NO production occurs via estrogen receptor-mediated activation of the constitutive NOSs, neuronal NOS and eNOS. The E2-induced NO increase was abolished when extracellular Ca2+ was removed from the medium or after the addition of nifedipine, an L-type channel blocker, and was partially inhibited using 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator. However, 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid acetoxymethyl ester itself also caused an increase in NO release that was blocked by 1400W, suggesting that inducible NOS mediates this response. Together these data reveal that constitutive NOS activities are responsible for E2-induced NO production in neuroblastoma cells and that differential activation of NOS isoforms in these cells occurs in response to different treatments.

Estrogen and androgen protection of human neurons against intracellular amyloid beta1-42 toxicity through heat shock protein 70

Intracellular amyloidbeta peptide (iAbeta1-42) accumulates in the Alzheimer's disease brain before plaque and tangle formation (Gouras et al., 2000) and is extremely toxic to human neurons (Zhang et al., 2002). Here, we investigated whether androgen and estrogen could prevent iAbeta1-4) toxicity, because both these hormones have a wide range of neuroprotective actions. At physiological concentrations, 17-beta-estradiol, testosterone, and methyl testosterone reduce iAbeta1-42-induced cell death by 50% in neurons treated after the injection and by 80-90% in neurons treated 1 hr before the injection. The neuroprotective action of the hormones is mediated by receptors, because the estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist tamoxifen and the androgen receptor (AR) antagonist flutamide completely block the estrogen- and androgen-mediated neuroprotection, respectively. Transcriptional activity is required for the neuroprotective action, because dominant negative forms of the receptors that block the transcriptional activity of the ER and AR prevent estrogen- and androgen-mediated neuroprotection. Proteomics followed by Western blot analyses identified increased levels of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) in testosterone- and estrogen-treated human neurons. Comicroinjection of Hsp70 with the iAbeta1-42 blocks the toxicity of iAbeta1-42. We conclude that estrogen and androgens protect human neurons against iAbeta1-42 toxicity by increasing the levels of Hsp70 in the neurons.

Soy isoflavone phyto-pharmaceuticals in interleukin-6 affections. Multi-purpose nutraceuticals at the crossroad of hormone replacement, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory therapy

Interleukin-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine which plays a crucial role in immune physiology and is tightly controlled by hormonal feedback mechanisms. After menopause or andropause, loss of the normally inhibiting sex steroids (estrogen, testosterone) results in elevated IL6 levels that are further progressively increasing with age. Interestingly, excessive IL6 production promotes tumorigenesis (breast, prostate, lung, colon, ovarian), and accounts for several disease-associated pathologies and phenotypical changes of advanced age, such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, neurodegenerative diseases and frailty. In this respect, pharmacological modulation of IL6 gene expression levels may have therapeutical benefit in preventing cancer progression, ageing discomforts and restoring immune homeostasis. Although "plant extracts" are used in folk medicine within living memory, it is only since the 20th century that numerous scientific investigations have been performed to discover potential health-protective food compounds or "nutraceuticals" which might prevent cancer and ageing diseases. About 2000 years ago, Hippocrates already highlighted "Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food". Various nutrients in the diet play a crucial role in maintaining an "optimal" immune response, such that deficient or excessive intakes can have negative consequences on the organism's immune status and susceptibility to a variety of pathologies. Over the last few decades, various immune-modulating nutrients have been identified, which interfere with IL6 gene expression. Currently, a broad range of phyto-pharmaceuticals with a claimed hormonal activity, called "phyto-estrogens", is recommended for prevention of various diseases related to a disturbed hormonal balance (i.e. menopausal ailments and/or prostate/breast cancer). In this respect, there is a renewed interest in soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, biochanin) as potential superior alternatives to the synthetic selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), which are currently applied in hormone replacement therapy (HRT). As phyto-chemicals integrate hormonal ligand activities and interference with signaling cascades, therapeutic use may not be restricted to hormonal ailments only, but may have applications in cancer chemoprevention and/or NF-kappaB-related inflammatory disorders as well.

Environmental estrogens can affect the function of mussel hemocytes through rapid modulation of kinase pathways

Estrogens and estrogenic chemicals can affect several vertebrate non-reproductive functions, the immune response in particular. We have previously shown that in the hemocytes of the marine mollusc Mytilus the natural estrogen 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) can affect the immune function through rapid tyrosine kinase-mediated signalling pathways converging on phosphorylation of both mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), whose activation plays a key role in the immune response. In this work the effects of synthetic estrogens (such as DES), estrogenic chemicals (such as Bisphenol A, Nonylphenol), and plant estrogens (genistein) on mussel hemocytes were evaluated. The results demonstrate that all the EDCs tested exert in vitro effects similar to those of E(2) on lysosomal membrane stability, although at concentrations 1000 times higher than those of the natural estrogen. When the effects of DES, BPA, and NP on tyrosine kinase-mediated cell signalling were investigated, estrogenic compounds showed distinct effects on the phosphorylation state of MAPK and STAT members. In particular, only DES, like E(2), induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation, whereas BPA and NP seem to have opposite effects. Moreover, different EDCs significantly decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation state of STAT3 and STAT5, showing a distinct effect with respect to E(2). Experiments with specific kinase inhibitors showed that activation of p38 MAPK, but also of ERK MAPK and PI3-kinase, plays a key role in mediating the effect of DES. On the other hand, the effects of NP were partly mediated by ERK MAPK activation. BPA-induced lysosomal membrane destabilisation was unaffected by either MAPK or PI3-K inhibitors. However, hemocyte pre-treatment with the PKC inhibitor GF109203X prevented the effects of both BPA and NP, this indicating that kinase pathways other than those involving MAPKs are also responsible for mediating the effects of certain EDCs. Overall, the results support the hypothesis that EDCs may rapidly modulate the function of mussel hemocytes through activation of transduction pathways involving different kinase-mediated cascades. Moreover, the effects of EDCs on the phosphorylation state of transcription factor STATs suggest that these compounds may lead to changes in gene expression secondary to modulation of kinase/phosphatases. Our data address to the importance of investigating full range responses to estrogenic chemicals and may help understanding their basic mechanisms of action in ecologically relevant invertebrate species.

Suppression subtractive hybridization and microarray identification of estrogen-regulated hypothalamic genes

The gonadal steroid estrogen is a pleiotropic hormone that has multiple effects on numerous cellular functions. One of estrogen's major targets is the brain, where the steroid not only affects growth, differentiation, and survival of neurons, but also regulates cell excitability. Because estrogen modulates multiple, overlapping signaling pathways, it has been difficult to scrutinize the transcriptional activity of the steroid. Therefore, we still lack a global picture of how different genes interact and are regulated by estrogen. Herein we report the use of suppression subtractive hybridization followed by custom microarray analysis of thousands of genes that are differentially expressed during the negative feedback phase of the female reproductive cycle. We have found a number of key transcripts that are regulated by estrogen and contribute to the alteration in synaptic transmission and hence excitability of hypothalamic neurons (e.g., GABA neurons). These include gec-1, GABA(B)R2, PI3 kinase subunit p55gamma, and a number of proteins containing pleckstrin homology domains that are critical for plasma membrane targeting. Studies are underway to refine our analysis to individual nuclei and individual cells. However, what has emerged from this highly sensitive microarray analysis is that estrogen affects neuronal plasticity in hypothalamic neurons not only by transcription of new membrane proteins (e.g., receptors and channels), but also by altering expression of downstream signaling molecules and proteins involved in neurosecretory pathways.

Characterization of the Interactions of Estrogen Receptor and MNAR in the Activation of cSrc

In this study, we have evaluated the molecular mechanism of Src activation after its interaction with estrogen receptor α (ERα) and a newly identified scaffold protein, called MNAR (modulator of nongenomic activity of ER). Under basal condition, Src enzymatic activity is inhibited by intramolecular interactions. The enzyme can be activated by interaction between the SH2 domain of Src and phosphotyrosine-containing sequences and/or by interaction between the SH3 domain of Src and proteins containing PXXP motifs. Mutational analysis and functional evaluation of MNAR and the use of ERα and cSrc mutants revealed that MNAR interacts with Src’s SH3 domain via its N-terminal PXXP motif. Mutation of this motif abolished both the MNAR-induced activation of Src and the stimulation of ER transcriptional activity. ER interacts with Src’s SH2 domain using phosphotyrosine 537, and this complex was further stabilized by MNAR-ER interaction. Mapping studies reveal that both the A/B domain and Y537 of ERα are required for MNAR-induced activation of ER transcriptional activity. The region responsible for MNAR interaction with ER maps to two N-terminal LXXLL motifs of MNAR. Mutation of these motifs prevented ER-MNAR complex formation and eliminated activation of the Src/MAPK pathway. These data explicate how the coordinate interactions between MNAR, ER, and Src lead to Src activation. Our findings also demonstrate that MNAR is a scaffold protein that mediates ER-Src interaction and plays an important role in the integration of ER action in Src-mediated signaling.

Shifts in preferred learning strategy across the estrous cycle in female rats

The current status of the effects of ovarian steroids on learning and memory remains somewhat unclear, despite a large undertaking to evaluate these effects. What is emerging from this literature is that estrogen, and perhaps progesterone, influences learning and memory, but does so in a task-dependent manner. Previously, we have shown that ovariectomized rats given acute treatments of estrogen acquire allocentric or "place" tasks more easily than do rats deprived of estrogen, but acquire egocentric or "response" learning tasks more slowly than do those deprived of hormone, suggesting that estrogen treatment may bias the strategy a rat is able to use to solve tasks. To determine if natural fluctuations in ovarian hormones influence cognitive strategy, we tested whether strategy use fluctuated across the estrous cycle in reproductively intact female rats. We found that in two tasks in which rats freely choose the strategy used to solve the task, rats were more likely to use place strategies at proestrous, that is, when ovarian steroids are high. Conversely, estrous rats were biased toward response strategies. The data suggest that natural fluctuations in ovarian steroids may bias the neural system used and thus the cognitive strategies chosen during learning and memory.

Tamoxifen and tamoxifen ethyl bromide induce apoptosis in acutely damaged mammary epithelial cells through modulation of AKT activity

Normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs), unlike estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers, typically express low nuclear levels of ER (ER-'poor'). We previously demonstrated that 1.0 microM tamoxifen (Tam) induced apoptosis in ER-'poor' HMECs acutely transduced with human papillomavirus-16 E6 (HMEC-E6) through a rapid mitochondrial signaling pathway. Here, we show that plasma membrane-associated E2-binding sites initiate the rapid apoptotic effects of Tam in HMEC-E6 cells through modulation of AKT activity. At equimolar concentrations, Tam and tamoxifen ethyl bromide (QTam), a membrane impermeant analog of Tam, rapidly induced apoptosis in HMEC-E6 cells associated with an even more rapid decrease in phosphorylation of AKT at serine-473. Treatment of HMEC-E6 cells with 1.0 microM QTam resulted in a 50% decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, sequential activation of caspase-9 and -3, and a 90% decrease in AKT Ser-473 phosphorylation. The effects of both Tam and QTam were blocked by expression of constitutively active AKT (myristoylated AKT or AKT-Thr308Asp/Ser473Asp). These data indicate that Tam and QTam induce apoptosis in HMEC-E6 cells through a plasma membrane-activated AKT-signaling pathway that results in (1) decreased AKT phosphorylation at Ser-473, (2) mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and (3) activated caspase-9 and -3.

Minireview: Neuronal steroid hormone receptors: they're not just for hormones anymore

The ovarian steroid hormones have numerous effects on the brain, many of which are mediated, at least in part, by interaction with intracellular steroid hormone receptors acting as regulators of transcription. These intracellular steroid hormone receptors have often been considered to be activated solely by cognate hormone. However, during the past decade, numerous studies have shown that the receptors can be activated by neurotransmitters and intracellular signaling systems, through a process that does not require hormone. Although most of these have been in vitro experiments, others have been in vivo. Evidence from a wide variety of tissues and cells suggests that steroid hormone receptors are transcription factors that can be activated by a wide variety of factors, only one of which is cognate hormone. Furthermore, ligand-independent activation of neural steroid hormone receptors, rather than being a pharmacological or in vitro curiosity, seems to be a process that occurs in the normal physiology of animals. Thinking of steroid hormone receptors only as ligand-activated proteins may constrain our thinking about the many factors that may activate the receptors and cause receptor-dependent changes in neural gene expression and neuroendocrine function.

Rapid effects of 17beta-estradiol on cell signaling and function of Mytilus hemocytes

Estrogens affect the functioning of several non-reproductive tissues, the immune system in particular. In mammalian immunocytes, 17beta-estradiol (E2) has both dose- and cell-type specific effects and the responses to E2 seem to be mediated by rapid, non-genomic mechanisms; these may be initiated at either membrane or cytosolic locations, and can result in both direct local effects, such as modification of ion fluxes, and regulation of gene transcription secondary to activation of different kinase cascades, including mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In this work, the short-term effects of E(2) and the possible mechanisms of estrogen-mediated cell signaling were investigated in the hemocytes, the immune cells of the bivalve mollusc, the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. The results show that E2 (25nM) caused a rapid and significant increase in hemocyte cytosolic [Ca2+]; lower concentrations (5 nM) showed a smaller, not significant effect. Both E2 concentrations affected the phosphorylation state of the components of tyrosine kinase-mediated signal transduction MAPK- and STAT- (signal transducers and activators of transcription) like proteins within 5-15 min from E2 addition. A greater effect and clearer time course were observed with 25 nM E2: in particular, E2 induced a transient increase in p-ERK2 MAPK and a persistent increase in p-p38 MAPK. Moreover, both STAT3 and STAT5 were tyrosine phosphorylated in response to E2. E2 (5 nM) induced both morphological (as evaluated by SEM) and functional changes (such as extracellular release of hydrolytic enzymes, lysosomal membrane destabilisation, and stimulation of the bactericidal activity) within 10-30 min from addition. Lysosomal membrane destabilisation induced by both E2 concentrations was abolished by hemocyte preincubation with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580, and significantly reduced by PD98059 and Wortmannin (inhibitors of ERK MAPK and PI3-K, respectively), this suggesting that rapid activation of kinase cascades is involved in mediating the effects of E2 in mussel hemocytes. The antiestrogen Tamoxifen prevented or strongly reduced most, but not all, the effects of E2. Western blotting with heterologous anti-ERalpha-anti-ERbeta-antibodies revealed the presence of immunoreactive ERalpha- and ERbeta-like proteins in hemocyte protein extracts. Overall, our data support the hypothesis that the rapid effects and mechanisms of action of 17beta-estradiol are extremely conserved and that they may play a crucial role in endocrine-immune interactions in invertebrates.

Evidence for functional estrogen receptors α and β in human adipose cells: regional specificities and regulation by estrogens

Adipocytes are estrogen-responsive cells, but the quantitative expression and transcriptional regulation of the estrogen receptors (ER-α and ER-β) in human adipocytes and their precursor cells are unclear. Using real-time quantitative PCR, we have demonstrated that both ER-α and ER-β mRNA are expressed in human mature adipocytes with a large predominance of ER-α mRNA. Moreover, ER-α mRNA is identically expressed whatever the anatomic origin (intraabdominal and subcutaneous) of the adipocytes and the gender. ER-β mRNA levels are higher in women compared with men, without regional differences. 17β-Estradiol in vitro upregulates expression of both ER-α and ER-β mRNA in subcutaneous adipocytes from women but only the ER-α mRNA in subcutaneous and intra-abdominal adipocytes from men. In preadipocytes, only the ER-α subtype was present. In the latter cells, estrogens in vitro had no influence on ER-α expression (mRNA and protein). The present study also shows that estrogens in vitro increase the AP-1, SP-1, and estrogen response element DNA binding activities in differentiated but not in confluent preadipocytes, suggesting that ER become functional during the course of adipogenesis. On the whole, these data are consistent with a predominant role of the ER-α subtype in mediating the effects of estrogens on human adipose tissue development and metabolism.

Coregulator function: a key to understanding tissue specificity of selective receptor modulators

Ligands for the nuclear receptor superfamily control many aspects of biology, including development, reproduction, and homeostasis, through regulation of the transcriptional activity of their cognate receptors. Selective receptor modulators (SRMs) are receptor ligands that exhibit agonistic or antagonistic biocharacter in a cell- and tissue context-dependent manner. The prototypical SRM is tamoxifen, which as a selective estrogen receptor modulator, can activate or inhibit estrogen receptor action. SRM-induced alterations in the conformation of the ligand-binding domains of nuclear receptors influence their abilities to interact with other proteins, such as coactivators and corepressors. It has been postulated, therefore, that the relative balance of coactivator and corepressor expression within a given target cell determines the relative agonist vs. antagonist activity of SRMs. However, recent evidence reveals that the cellular environment also plays a critical role in determining SRM biocharacter. Cellular signaling influences the activity and subcellular localization of coactivators and corepressors as well as nuclear receptors, and this contributes to gene-, cell-, and tissue-specific responses to SRM ligands. Increased understanding of the effect of cellular environment on nuclear receptors and their coregulators has the potential to open the field of SRM discovery and research to many members of the nuclear receptor superfamily.

Advances in estrogen receptor biology: prospects for improvements in targeted breast cancer therapy

Estrogen receptor (ER) has a crucial role in normal breast development and is expressed in the most common breast cancer subtypes. Importantly, its expression is very highly predictive for response to endocrine therapy. Current endocrine therapies for ER-positive breast cancers target ER function at multiple levels. These include targeting the level of estrogen, blocking estrogen action at the ER, and decreasing ER levels. However, the ultimate effectiveness of therapy is limited by either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Identifying the factors and pathways responsible for sensitivity and resistance remains a challenge in improving the treatment of breast cancer. With a better understanding of coordinated action of ER, its coregulatory factors, and the influence of other intracellular signaling cascades, improvements in breast cancer therapy are emerging.

Estrogen stimulates estrogen-related receptor alpha gene expression through conserved hormone response elements

The estrogen-related receptor alpha gene encodes a nuclear receptor protein, ERR alpha, whose structure is closely related to the estrogen receptors. ERR alpha modulates estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated signaling pathways both positively and negatively. It is selectively expressed in a variety of cell types during development and in adult tissues. We have previously shown that estrogen stimulates the expression of the ERR alpha gene in mouse uterus. In this study, we found that the ERR alpha gene is stimulated by estrogen in mouse uterus and heart but not in liver. Estrogen also stimulates the expression of ERR alpha in the human breast and endometrial cell lines. The human ERR alpha gene promoter contains multiple Sp1 binding sites, and the Sp1 protein is required for the promoter activity. The major estrogen response is mediated by a 34-bp DNA element that contains multiple steroid hormone response element half-sites (MHREs) that are conserved between the human and mouse ERR alpha gene promoters. Mutations made at a single or multiple sites of the MHREs abolished the ER-mediated transcription of the element in transient transfection experiments. By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated the interaction between ER alpha and MHREs of the endogenous ERR alpha gene promoter in MCF-7 cells. Estrogen treatment further enhanced the association of ER alpha and MHREs in vivo. The present study demonstrated that the ERR alpha gene is a downstream target of ER alpha.

Making sense of cross-talk between steroid hormone receptors and intracellular signaling pathways: who will have the last word?

In classical models of nuclear steroid hormone receptor function, ligand binds receptor, heat shock proteins dissociate, and receptor dimers enter or are withheld in the nucleus and interact with coregulatory molecules to mediate changes in gene expression. The footnotes, "receptors become phosphorylated" and "dynamic nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling occurs" describe well-accepted, but less well-understood aspects of receptor action. Recently, the idea that several protein kinases are activated in response to steroid hormone binding to cognate cytoplasmic or membrane-associated receptors has become fashionable. However, the precise role of steroid hormone receptor phosphorylation and our understanding of which cytoplasmic kinases are activated and their functional significance remain elusive. This review provides an overview of the primary ways in which steroid hormone receptor and growth factor cross-talk occurs, using the human progesterone receptor (PR) as a model. The functional consequences of PR phosphorylation by protein kinases classically activated in response to peptide growth factors and novel extranuclear or nongenomic functions of PR as potential independent initiators of signal transduction pathways are discussed. Intracellular protein kinases are emerging as key mediators of steroid hormone receptor action. Cross-talk between steroid receptor- and growth factor-initiated signaling events may explain how gene subsets are coordinately regulated by mitogenic stimuli in hormonally responsive normal tissues, and is suspected to play a role in their cancer biology.

Sphingosine kinase transmits estrogen signaling in human breast cancer cells

Current understanding of cytoplasmic signaling pathways that mediate estrogen action in human breast cancer is incomplete. Here we report that treatment with 17beta-estradiol (E2) activates a novel signaling pathway via activation of sphingosine kinase (SphK) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We found that E2 has dual actions to stimulate SphK activity, i.e. a rapid and transient activation mediated by putative membrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptors (ER) and a delayed but prolonged activation relying on the transcriptional activity of ER. The E2-induced SphK activity consequently activates downstream signal cascades including intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and Erk1/2 activation. Enforced expression of human SphK type 1 gene in MCF-7 cells resulted in increases in SphK activity and cell growth. Moreover, the E2-dependent mitogenesis were highly promoted by SphK overexpression as determined by colony growth in soft agar and solid focus formation. In contrast, expression of SphKG82D, a dominant-negative mutant SphK, profoundly inhibited the E2-mediated Ca2+ mobilization, Erk1/2 activity and neoplastic cell growth. Thus, our data suggest that SphK activation is an important cytoplasmic signaling to transduce estrogen-dependent mitogenic and carcinogenic action in human breast cancer cells.

The neurobiology and control of anxious states

Fear is an adaptive component of the acute "stress" response to potentially-dangerous (external and internal) stimuli which threaten to perturb homeostasis. However, when disproportional in intensity, chronic and/or irreversible, or not associated with any genuine risk, it may be symptomatic of a debilitating anxious state: for example, social phobia, panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder. In view of the importance of guaranteeing an appropriate emotional response to aversive events, it is not surprising that a diversity of mechanisms are involved in the induction and inhibition of anxious states. Apart from conventional neurotransmitters, such as monoamines, gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, many other modulators have been implicated, including: adenosine, cannabinoids, numerous neuropeptides, hormones, neurotrophins, cytokines and several cellular mediators. Accordingly, though benzodiazepines (which reinforce transmission at GABA(A) receptors), serotonin (5-HT)(1A) receptor agonists and 5-HT reuptake inhibitors are currently the principle drugs employed in the management of anxiety disorders, there is considerable scope for the development of alternative therapies. In addition to cellular, anatomical and neurochemical strategies, behavioral models are indispensable for the characterization of anxious states and their modulation. Amongst diverse paradigms, conflict procedures--in which subjects experience opposing impulses of desire and fear--are of especial conceptual and therapeutic pertinence. For example, in the Vogel Conflict Test (VCT), the ability of drugs to release punishment-suppressed drinking behavior is evaluated. In reviewing the neurobiology of anxious states, the present article focuses in particular upon: the multifarious and complex roles of individual modulators, often as a function of the specific receptor type and neuronal substrate involved in their actions; novel targets for the management of anxiety disorders; the influence of neurotransmitters and other agents upon performance in the VCT; data acquired from complementary pharmacological and genetic strategies and, finally, several open questions likely to orientate future experimental- and clinical-research. In view of the recent proliferation of mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis, modulation and, potentially, treatment of anxiety disorders, this is an opportune moment to survey their functional and pathophysiological significance, and to assess their influence upon performance in the VCT and other models of potential anxiolytic properties.

SDF-1alpha production is negatively regulated by mouse estrogen enhanced transcript in a mouse thymus epithelial cell line

SDF-1/CXCR4 plays an important role in promoting survival, expansion, and differentiation of T cell progenitors. The present study investigates the mechanism by which estrogen inhibits SDF-1alpha expression in mouse thymus. Mouse estrogen enhanced transcript (mEET) is endogenously expressed in a mouse thymus epithelial cell line 1 (MTEC1). In MTEC1 cells that express the transfected sense mEET, the SDF-1alpha transcription and its chemotactic activity were profoundly inhibited. Conversely, in MTEC1 that express the transfected anti-sense mEET, the SDF-1alpha transcription and its chemotactic activity were substantially augmented. Moreover, we disclosed that mEET inhibited the production of SDF-1alpha by its suppression of NF-kappaB translocation into nucleus. Using a combinatorial induction of doxycycline (Dox) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) on the sense and anti-sense mEET transfectants, it was demonstrated that an increase of mEET expression enhanced E2-induced inhibition of SDF-1alpha production, while a blockade of mEET expression alleviated E2-induced inhibition of SDF-1alpha production. In conclusion, the E2-imposed suppression of SDF-1alpha production is partly mediated by mEET involved signaling pathway.

Estrogen action and cytoplasmic signaling pathways. Part II: the role of growth factors and phosphorylation in estrogen signaling

In recent years, distinct signaling pathways involving specific complexes of cytoplasmic proteins have been shown to orchestrate estrogen action. These pathways might supplement or augment genomic effects of estrogen that are attributable to transcriptional activation by liganded receptor. Signals might be transduced through phosphorylation of the estrogen receptors (ERs), or indirectly through effects upon transcriptional coactivators or cell receptors. Estrogen signaling is coupled to growth factor signaling with feedback mechanisms directly impacting function of growth factor receptors. These signaling pathways regulate important physiological processes, such as cell growth and apoptosis. Here, we focus on cytoplasmic signaling pathways leading to activation of ERs.