Kruppel-like factor 4 regulates laminin alpha 3A expression in mammary epithelial cells

Gene Expression in Amnion-Derived Cells Cultured on Recombinant Laminin 332-A Preliminary Study

Human amniotic cells (hAC) exhibit characteristics of undifferentiated cells and immunomodulatory properties. Recognition of the relationship between amniotic cells and components of the extracellular matrix is an important condition for their ex vivo preparation and further successful clinical application in regenerative medicine and transplantology. Laminin 332 (LN-332), as a natural component of the basement membrane of amniotic epithelial cells and a ligand for integrin receptors, may strongly influence the phenotype and fate of amniotic cells. We investigated the impact of recombinant LN-332 on hAC viability and expression of markers for pluripotency, early differentiation, adhesion, and immunomodulatory properties. During 14 days of culture, hAC were quantified and qualified by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and flow cytometry. Gene expression was assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) arrays and compared with differentiated cells originated from the three germ layers. LN-332 caused an over 2-fold increase in the total number of hAC, accompanied by a 75% reduction of SSEA-4-positive cells and an increase in HLA-ABC-positive cells. In particular, we observed that the presence of laminin 332 in the medium of a short-time culture modifies the effect of culture duration on hAC, enhancing time-dependent inhibition of expression of certain genes, including pluripotency and differentiation markers, laminin 332 subunits (which may be part of self-regulation of LN-332 synthesis by amniotic cells), and integrins. The changes observed in hAC were more distinct with respect to differentiated mesenchymal cells, resulting in more comparable phenotypes than those represented by differentiated endo- and ectodermal cells. We concluded that laminin 332 present in the culture medium influences to a certain extent proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation of amniotic cells in culture.

Chromatin accessibility regulates chemotherapy-induced dormancy and reactivation

Cisplatin-based chemotherapy remains the standard care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Relapse after chemotherapy-induced dormancy affects the overall survival of patients. The evolution of cancer cells under chemotherapy stress is regulated by transcription factors (TFs) with binding sites initially buried deep within inaccessible chromatin. The transcription machinery and dynamic epigenetic alterations during the process of dormancy-reactivation of lung cancer cells after chemotherapy need to be investigated. Here, we investigated the chromatin accessibility of lung cancer cells after cisplatin treatment, using an assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq). We observed that global chromatin accessibility was extensively improved. Transcriptional Regulatory Relationships Unraveled by Sentence-based Text mining (TRRUST) v.2 was used to elucidate TF-target interaction during the process of dormancy and reactivation. Enhancer regions and motifs specific to key TFs including JUN, MYC, SMAD3, E2F1, SP1, CTCF, SMAD4, STAT3, NFKB1, and KLF4 were enriched in differential loci ATAC-seq peaks of dormant and reactivated cancer cells induced by chemotherapy. The findings suggest that these key TFs regulated gene expressions during the process of dormancy and reactivation of cancer cells through altering promoter accessibility of target genes. Our study helps advance understanding of how cancer cells adapt to the stress induced by chemotherapy through TF binding motif accessibility.

After genome-wide association studies: Gene networks elucidating candidate genes divergences for number of teats across two pig populations

Number of teats (NT) is an important trait affecting both piglet's welfare and the production level of pig farms. Biologically, embryonic mammary gland development requires the coordination of many signaling pathways necessary for the proper development of teats. Several QTL for NT have been identified; however, further analysis is still lacking. Therefore, gene networks derived from genomewide association study (GWAS) results can be used to examine shared pathways and functions of putative candidate genes. Besides, such analyses may also be helpful to understand the genetic diversity between populations for the same trait or traits. In this study, we identified significant SNP for Landrace-based (line C) and Large White-based (line D) dam lines. Besides, gene-transcription factor (TF) networks were constructed aiming to obtain the most likely candidate genes for NT in each line followed by a comparative analysis between both lines to access similarities or dissimilarities at the marker and gene level. We identified 24 and 19 significant SNP (Bayes factor ≥ 100) for lines C and D, respectively. Only 1 significant SNP overlapped both lines. Network analysis illustrated gene interactions consistent with known mammal's breast biology and captured known TF. We observed different sets of putative candidate genes for NT in each line evaluated that may have common effects on the phenotype. Based on these results, we demonstrated the importance of post-GWAS analyses increasing the biological understanding of relevant genes for a complex trait. Moreover, we believe that this genomic diversity across lines should be taken into account, considering breed-specific reference populations for genomic selection.

Bioinformatic identification of candidate genes induced by trichostatin A in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells

The aim of the present study was to identify the candidate genes induced by trichostatin A (TSA) in BGC-823 gastric cancer (GC) cells and to explore the possible inhibition mechanism of TSA in GC. Gene expression data were obtained through chip detection, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GC cells treated with TSA and untreated GC cells (control group) were identified. Gene ontology analysis of the DEGs was performed using the database for annotation, visualization and integrated discovery. Then sub-pathway enrichment analysis was performed and a microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network was constructed. We selected 76 DEGs, among which 43 were downregulated genes and 33 were upregulated genes. By sub-pathway enrichment analysis of the DEGs, the propanoate metabolism pathway was selected as the sub-pathway. By constructing a miRNA regulatory network, we identified that DKK1 and KLF13 were the top hub nodes. The propanoate metabolism pathway and the genes DKK1 and KLF13 may play significant roles in the inhibition of GC induced by TSA. These genes may be potential therapeutic targets for GC. However, further experiments are still required to confirm our results.

Spatiotemporally Regulated Ablation of Klf4 in Adult Mouse Corneal Epithelial Cells Results in Altered Epithelial Cell Identity and Disrupted Homeostasis

PURPOSE

In previous studies, conditional disruption of Klf4 in the developing mouse ocular surface from embryonic day 10 resulted in corneal epithelial fragility, stromal edema, and loss of conjunctival goblet cells, revealing the importance of Klf4 in ocular surface maturation. Here, we use spatiotemporally regulated ablation of Klf4 to investigate its functions in maintenance of adult corneal epithelial homeostasis.

METHODS

Expression of Cre was induced in ternary transgenic (Klf4(LoxP/LoxP)/Krt12(rtTA/rtTA)/Tet-O-Cre) mouse corneal epithelium by doxycycline administered through intraperitoneal injections and drinking water, to generate corneal epithelium-specific deletion of Klf4 (Klf4(Δ/ΔCE)). Corneal epithelial barrier function was tested by fluorescein staining. Expression of selected Klf4-target genes was determined by quantitative PCR (QPCR), immunoblotting, and immunofluorescent staining.

RESULTS

Klf4 was efficiently ablated within 5 days of doxycycline administration in adult Klf4(Δ/ΔCE) corneal epithelium. The Klf4(Δ/ΔCE) corneal epithelial barrier function was disrupted, and the basal cells were swollen and rounded after 15 days of doxycycline treatment. Increased numbers of cell layers and Ki67-positive proliferating cells suggested deregulated Klf4(Δ/ΔCE) corneal epithelial homeostasis. Expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin, desmosomal Dsg and Dsp, basement membrane laminin-332, and corneal epithelial-specific keratin-12 was decreased, while that of matrix metalloproteinase Mmp9 and noncorneal keratin-17 increased, suggesting altered Klf4(Δ/ΔCE) corneal epithelial cell identity.

CONCLUSIONS

Ablation of Klf4 in the adult mouse corneas resulted in the absence of characteristic corneal epithelial cell differentiation, disrupted barrier function, and squamous metaplasia, revealing that Klf4 is essential for maintenance of the adult corneal epithelial cell identity and homeostasis.

Regulation of mouse lens maturation and gene expression by Krüppel-like factor 4

Conditional disruption of Klf4 in the surface ectoderm-derived tissues of the eye results in defective cornea, conjunctiva and the lens. This report describes the effects of disruption of Klf4 in the lens in greater detail. Expression of Klf4, first detected in the embryonic day-12 (E12) mouse lens, peaked at E16 and was decreased in later stages. Early embryonic disruption of Klf4 resulted in a smaller lens with cortical vacuolation and nuclear opacity. Microarray comparison of Klf4CN and WT lens transcriptomes revealed fewer changes in the E16.5 (59 increases, 20 decreases of >1.5-fold) than the PN56 Klf4CN lens (239 increases, 182 decreases of >2-fold). Klf4-target genes in the lens were distinct from those previously identified in the cornea, suggesting disparate functions for Klf4 in these functionally related tissues. Transcripts encoding different crystallins were down-regulated in the Klf4CN lens. Shsp/αB-crystallin promoter activity was stimulated upon co-transfection with pCI-Klf4. Mitochondrial density was significantly higher in the Klf4CN lens epithelial cells, consistent with mitochondrial dysfunction being the most significantly affected pathway within the PN56 Klf4CN lens. The Klf4CN lens contained elevated levels of Alox12 and Alox15 transcripts, less reduced glutathione (GSH) and more oxidized glutathione (GSSG) than the WT, suggesting that it is oxidatively stressed. Although the expression of 2087 genes was modulated during WT lens maturation, transcripts encoding crystallins were abundant at E16.5 and remained stable at PN56. Among the 1065 genes whose expression increased during WT lens maturation, there were 104 Klf4-target genes (9.8%) with decreased expression in the PN56 Klf4CN lens. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Klf4 expression is developmentally regulated in the mouse lens, where it controls the expression of genes associated with lens maturation and redox homeostasis.

Loss of epigenetic Kruppel-like factor 4 histone deacetylase (KLF-4-HDAC)-mediated transcriptional suppression is crucial in increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in breast cancer

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is recognized as an important angiogenic factor that promotes angiogenesis in a series of pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and ischemic disorders. We have recently shown that the inflammatory transcription factor SAF-1 is, at least in part, responsible for the marked increase of VEGF levels in breast cancer. Here, we show that SAF-1-mediated induction of VEGF is repressed by KLF-4 transcription factor. KLF-4 is abundantly present in normal breast epithelial cells, but its level is considerably reduced in breast cancer cells and clinical cancer tissues. In the human VEGF promoter, SAF-1- and KLF-4-binding elements are overlapping, whereas SAF-1 induces and KLF-4 suppresses VEGF expression. Ectopic overexpression of KLF-4 and RNAi-mediated inhibition of endogenous KLF-4 supported the role of KLF-4 as a transcriptional repressor of VEGF and an inhibitor of angiogenesis in breast cancer cells. We show that KLF-4 recruits histone deacetylases (HDACs) -2 and -3 at the VEGF promoter. Chronological ChIP assays demonstrated the occupancy of KLF-4, HDAC2, and HDAC3 in the VEGF promoter in normal MCF-10A cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Co-transfection of KLF-4 and HDAC expression plasmids in breast cancer cells results in synergistic repression of VEGF expression and inhibition of angiogenic potential of these carcinoma cells. Together these results identify a new mechanism of VEGF up-regulation in cancer that involves concomitant loss of KLF-4-HDAC-mediated transcriptional repression and active recruitment of SAF-1-mediated transcriptional activation.

Deficiency of the Kruppel-like factor KLF4 correlates with increased cell proliferation and enhanced skin tumorigenesis

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcription factor that is highly expressed in differentiated epithelial cells including that of the skin. It is critical for specification or function of differentiated epithelial cells. Moreover, KLF4 functions either as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on different cellular contexts. However, the role of KLF4 in skin tumorigenesis remains controversial. To address this issue, we first examined KLF4 expression using a cohort of samples from patients with skin squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma and found that in 21 of 24 tumor tissues (87.5%), KLF4 expression as assayed by immunohistochemistry was absent when compared with that in normal tissues. In addition, knockdown of KLF4 in human epidermal squamous cell carcinoma SCC13 cells was accompanied by increased cell growth. Further analysis revealed that KLF4 deficiency promoted cell migration and adhesion, which are the important properties of tumor cells. These observations were supported by the effect upon overexpression of KLF4 in SCC13 cells. Furthermore, we generated a novel tamoxifen-inducible KLF4/CreER and KLF4(flox) double transgenic mouse model to examine the role of KLF4 in skin cancer development. Consistent with in vitro studies, KLF4 deficiency increased the ability of migration and adhesion of mouse primary skin keratinocytes. Moreover, KLF4 knockout led to increased cell proliferation and skin carcinogenesis in a classical DMBA/TPA mouse skin cancer model. Taken together, our data suggest that KLF4 inhibits cell proliferation, migration and adhesion and that loss of KLF4 promotes skin tumorigenesis.

Laminin 332 expression in breast carcinoma

Laminin 332 (LN332) is a basally expressed extracellular matrix protein that enhances the migration and invasion of breast carcinoma cells. The goal of this study was to examine LN332 expression breast carcinoma. Triple negative breast carcinomas lack estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) expression and HER2 positivity. Immunohistochemistry for ER, PR, HER2, and dual silver in situ hybridization for the HER2 gene were used to define the phenotype of 243 breast cancers in biopsies or arrays. Immunohistochemistry for LN332 revealed that 70% of triple negative carcinomas stained for LN332. Cytokeratins 5/6 (CK5/6), epidermal growth factor receptor and p63 alone stained fewer triple negative breast carcinomas each, but the combination of LN332 and CK5/6 or epidermal growth factor receptor identified 92% of triple negative breast carcinoma. Of the 163 non-triple negative cases, LN332 was expressed in only 15%. The identification of LN332 in triple negative breast carcinomas is consistent with gene profiling studies showing its expression among breast carcinomas with a basal phenotype. The observation that a proinvasive protein such as LN332 is expressed in breast cancer suggests another mechanism by which the triple negative phenotype could be aggressive.

Krüppel-like factor 4 inhibits tumorigenic progression and metastasis in a mouse model of breast cancer

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger transcription factor that functions as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in a highly tissue-specific cell-dependent manner. However, its precise role in breast cancer and metastasis remains unclear. Here, we show that transient adenoviral expression of KLF4 in the 4T1 orthotopic mammary cancer model significantly attenuated primary tumor growth as well as micrometastases to the lungs and liver. These results can be attributed, in part, to decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. Further supporting a tumor-suppressive role for KLF4 in the breast, we found that KLF4 expression is lost in a mouse model of HER2/NEU/ERBB2-positive breast cancer. To determine whether enforced KLF4 expression could alter tumor latency in these mice, we used a doxycycline-inducible expression model in the context of the MMTV-Neu transgene. Surprisingly, tumors that developed in this model also lost KLF4 expression, suggesting negative selection for sustained expression. We have previously reported that KLF4 inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a preliminary step in metastatic progression. Overexpression of KLF4 in 4T1 cells led to a significant reduction in the expression of Snail, a key mediator of EMT and metastasis. Conversely, KLF4 silencing increased Snail expression in the nontransformed MCF-10A cell line. Collectively, these data demonstrate the first functional, in vivo evidence for KLF4 as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, our findings suggest an inhibitory role for KLF4 during breast cancer metastases that functions, in part, through repression of Snail.

Life stage differences in mammary gland gene expression profile in non-human primates

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy of women in the developed world. To better understand its pathogenesis, knowledge of normal breast development is crucial, as BC is the result of disregulation of physiologic processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reproductive life stages on the transcriptional profile of the mammary gland in a primate model. Comparative transcriptomic analyses were carried out using breast tissues from 28 female cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) at the following life stages: prepubertal (n = 5), adolescent (n = 4), adult luteal (n = 5), pregnant (n = 6), lactating (n = 3), and postmenopausal (n = 5). Mammary gland RNA was hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip(®) Rhesus Macaque Genome Arrays. Differential gene expression was analyzed using ANOVA and cluster analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed distinct separation of life stage groups. More than 2,225 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Gene families or pathways that changed across life stages included those related to estrogen and androgen (ESR1, PGR, TFF1, GREB1, AR, 17HSDB2, 17HSDB7, STS, HSD11B1, AKR1C4), prolactin (PRLR, ELF5, STAT5, CSN1S1), insulin-like growth factor signaling (IGF1, IGFBP1, IGFBP5), extracellular matrix (POSTN, TGFB1, COL5A2, COL12A1, FOXC1, LAMC1, PDGFRA, TGFB2), and differentiation (CD24, CD29, CD44, CD61, ALDH1, BRCA1, FOXA1, POSTN, DICER1, LIG4, KLF4, NOTCH2, RIF1, BMPR1A, TGFB2). Pregnancy and lactation displayed distinct patterns of gene expression. ESR1 and IGF1 were significantly higher in the adolescent compared to the adult animals, whereas differentiation pathways were overrepresented in adult animals and pregnancy-associated life stages. Few individual genes were distinctly different in postmenopausal animals. Our data demonstrate characteristic patterns of gene expression during breast development. Several of the pathways activated during pubertal development have been implicated in cancer development and metastasis, supporting the idea that other developmental markers may have application as biomarkers for BC.

Association of expression of kruppel-like factor 4 and kruppel-like factor 5 with the clinical manifestations of breast cancer

Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are import modulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, and transformation and have recently been considered possible prognostic factors in breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the correlation between KLF4 and KLF5 expression and the clinical manifestations of breast cancer by immunohistochemical analysis. We observed increased KLF4 and KLF5 expression in tumor cells (invasive and in situ carcinomas), consistent KLF4 and KLF5 expression in in situ and invasive carcinomas, significant associations between KLF4 expression and tumor grade (p = 0.033), size (p = 0.035) and stage (p = 0.006), and an association between KLF5 expression and tumor grade (p = 0.033). Interestingly, we observed a relationship between increasing age and KLF4 expression (p = 0.007), with a tendency towards greater expression in tumor cells in patients over 50 years old. Moreover, KLF5 nuclear localization was restricted to non-tumor breast ducts and lobules; however, loss of nuclear expression of KLF5 in in situ and invasive carcinomas was observed. Although the mechanism of the loss of KLF5 nuclear expression is not clear, this phenomenon may imply a possible tumor-suppressor-like role for KLF5 in breast cancer tumorigenesis. The expression of KLF4 and KLF5 in breast cancer patients in Taiwan is similar to that in Western countries, except for the uncertainty surrounding its prognostic significance. Further clarification of the underlying mechanisms of KLF4 and KLF5 expression and their correlations with breast cancer outcomes is necessary.

Regulation of corneal epithelial barrier function by Kruppel-like transcription factor 4

PURPOSE

Previously, the authors showed that Klf4-conditional null (Klf4CN) corneas display epithelial fragility. Here, they investigated the mechanism by which Klf4 regulates corneal epithelial barrier function.

METHODS

Klf4CN mice were generated by breeding Le-Cre with Klf4-LoxP mice. Fluorescein staining was used to test the corneal barrier function. RT-PCR, immunoblots, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of cell junctional proteins. The effect of Klf4 on promoter activities was measured by transient cotransfection assays. Trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was used to measure the barrier-forming ability of control or anti-KLF4 siRNA-treated cells.

RESULTS

Increased fluorescein staining and decreased tight junction protein Tjp1 expression demonstrated that the Klf4CN corneal epithelial barrier function is defective. Expression of desmosomal components Dsp, Dsg-1a, and Dsg-1b was downregulated in the Klf4CN corneas, and their corresponding promoter activities were upregulated by Klf4 in transient cotransfection assays. Hemidesmosomal α3- and β4-integrin levels were not affected even though there were fewer hemidesmosomes in the Klf4CN corneas. The basement membrane components laminin-α5, -α3, -β3, and -β1-1 were downregulated, suggesting that the disrupted basement membrane is responsible for fewer hemidesmosomes in the Klf4CN cornea. Tight junction proteins OCLN1 and TJP1were downregulated in anti-KLF4 siRNA-treated cells, which failed to develop epithelial barrier function as measured by TEER.

CONCLUSIONS

Klf4 contributes to corneal epithelial barrier function by upregulating the expression of functionally related subsets of cell junctional proteins and basement membrane components.

Immunohistochemical and molecular expression of laminin-332 gamma-2 chain in canine mammary tumors

Forty-eight cases of canine mammary cancer were investigated to evaluate the immunohistochemical distribution of the γ2 chain of laminin-332. Tumor cells were compared to a pool of normal mammary tissues using quantitative RT-PCR. The western blot was performed in eight tumor samples as complementary test to evaluate protein integrity. Immunohistochemistry experiments showed negative, focal, and weak expression of laminin-332 γ2 in tumors with the worst prognosis. Quantitative PCR revealed downregulation of the gene in 27 (56.2%) of the animals. Out of the 16 dogs with γ2 chain overexpression, seven were still alive. The western blot results showed bands generation of 36, 50, and 98kDa, suggesting degradation of laminin-332 γ2 in malignant tumors. The results suggest that, in the future, low expression and/or degradation of laminin-332 γ2 chain in canine mammary tumors may be used as an indicator of malignant potential. However, further studies are necessary to corroborate these results

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is required for maintenance of breast cancer stem cells and for cell migration and invasion

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is highly expressed in more than 70% of breast cancers and functions as an oncogene. However, an exact mechanism by which KLF4 enhances tumorigenesis of breast cancer remains unknown. In this study, we show that KLF4 was highly expressed in cancer stem cell (CSC)-enriched populations in mouse primary mammary tumor and breast cancer cell lines. Knockdown of KLF4 in breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) decreased the proportion of stem/progenitor cells as demonstrated by expression of stem cell surface markers such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1), side-population (SP), and by in vitro mammosphere assay. Consistently KLF4 overexpression led to an increase of the cancer stem cell population. KLF4 knockdown also suppressed cell migration and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, knockdown of KLF4 reduced colony formation in vitro and inhibited tumorigenesis in immunocompromised NOD/SCID mice, supporting an oncogenic role for KLF4 in breast cancer development. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the Notch signaling pathway was required for KLF4-mediated cell migration and invasion, but not for CSC maintenance. Taken together, our study provides evidence that KLF4 plays a potent oncogenic role in mammary tumorigenesis likely by maintaining stem cell-like features and by promoting cell migration and invasion. Thus, targeting KLF4 may provide an effective therapeutic approach to suppress tumorigenicity in breast cancer.

Mammalian Krüppel-like factors in health and diseases

The Krüppel-like factor (KLF) family of transcription factors regulates diverse biological processes that include proliferation, differentiation, growth, development, survival, and responses to external stress. Seventeen mammalian KLFs have been identified, and numerous studies have been published that describe their basic biology and contribution to human diseases. KLF proteins have received much attention because of their involvement in the development and homeostasis of numerous organ systems. KLFs are critical regulators of physiological systems that include the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, hematological, and immune systems and are involved in disorders such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, KLFs play an important role in reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and maintaining the pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells. As research on KLF proteins progresses, additional KLF functions and associations with disease are likely to be discovered. Here, we review the current knowledge of KLF proteins and describe common attributes of their biochemical and physiological functions and their pathophysiological roles.

Autocrine transforming growth factor-{beta}1 activation mediated by integrin {alpha}V{beta}3 regulates transcriptional expression of laminin-332 in Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells

Laminin (LM)-332 is an extracellular matrix protein that plays a structural role in normal tissues and is also important in facilitating recovery of epithelia from injury. We have shown that expression of LM-332 is up-regulated during renal epithelial regeneration after ischemic injury, but the molecular signals that control expression are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells LM-332 expression occurs only in subconfluent cultures and is turned-off after a polarized epithelium has formed. Addition of active transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to confluent MDCK monolayers is sufficient to induce transcription of the LM α3 gene and LM-332 protein expression via the TGF-β type I receptor (TβR-I) and the Smad2-Smad4 complex. Significantly, we show that expression of LM-332 in MDCK cells is an autocrine response to endogenous TGF-β1 secretion and activation mediated by integrin αVβ3 because neutralizing antibodies block LM-332 production in subconfluent cells. In confluent cells, latent TGF-β1 is secreted apically, whereas TβR-I and integrin αVβ3 are localized basolaterally. Disruption of the epithelial barrier by mechanical injury activates TGF-β1, leading to LM-332 expression. Together, our data suggest a novel mechanism for triggering the production of LM-332 after epithelial injury.

Overexpression of KLF13 and FGFR3 in oral cancer cells

KLF13 and FGFR3 have important cellular functions and each is believed to play a role in cancer. KLF13 is a transcription factor required for the expression of several oncogenes. FGFR3 is a fibroblast growth factor receptor that initiates a signaling cascade leading to the activation of numerous cellular pathways. Here we show that KLF13 and FGFR3 are overexpressed in oral cancer cells. We also show that artificially reducing cellular levels of KLF13 and FGFR3 decreases cell proliferation and increases sensitivity to ionizing radiation. These data suggest that KLF13 and FGFR3 contribute to malignancy in oral cancer cells and may be useful biomarkers for early detection and possible targets for therapy.

Kruppel-like factor 4 inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through regulation of E-cadherin gene expression

The Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a transcriptional regulator of proliferation and differentiation in epithelial cells, both during development and tumorigenesis. Although KLF4 functions as a tumor suppressor in several tissues, including the colon, the role of KLF4 in breast cancer is less clear. Here, we show that KLF4 is necessary for maintenance of the epithelial phenotype in non-transformed MCF-10A mammary epithelial cells. KLF4 silencing led to alterations in epithelial cell morphology and migration, indicative of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Consistent with these changes, decreased levels of KLF4 also resulted in the loss of E-cadherin protein and mRNA. Promoter/reporter analyses revealed decreased E-cadherin promoter activity with KLF4 silencing, while chromatin immunoprecipitation identified endogenous KLF4 binding to the GC-rich/E-box region of this promoter. Furthermore, forced expression of KLF4 in the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cell line was sufficient to restore E-cadherin expression and suppress migration and invasion. These findings identify E-cadherin as a novel transcriptional target of KLF4. The clear requirement for KLF4 to maintain E-cadherin expression and prevent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in mammary epithelial cells supports a metastasis suppressive role for KLF4 in breast cancer.

The emerging role of Krüppel-like factors in endocrine-responsive cancers of female reproductive tissues

Krüppel-like factors (KLFs), of which there are currently 17 known protein members, belong to the specificity protein (Sp) family of transcription factors and are characterized by the presence of Cys(2)/His(2) zinc finger motifs in their carboxy-terminal domains that confer preferential binding to GC/GT-rich sequences in gene promoter and enhancer regions. While previously regarded to simply function as silencers of Sp1 transactivity, many KLFs are now shown to be relevant to human cancers by their newly identified abilities to mediate crosstalk with signaling pathways involved in the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and differentiation. Several KLFs act as tumor suppressors and/or oncogenes under distinct cellular contexts, underscoring their prognostic potential for cancer survival and outcome. Recent studies suggest that a number of KLFs can influence steroid hormone signaling through transcriptional networks involving steroid hormone receptors and members of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors. Since inappropriate sensitivity or resistance to steroid hormone actions underlies endocrine-related malignancies, we consider the intriguing possibility that dysregulation of expression and/or activity of KLF members is linked to the pathogenesis of endometrial and breast cancers. In this review, we focus on recently described mechanisms of actions of several KLFs (KLF4, KLF5, KLF6, and KLF9) in cancers of the mammary gland and uterus. We suggest that understanding the mode of actions of KLFs and their functional networks may lead to the development of novel therapeutics to improve current prospects for cancer prevention and cure.

Roles of Krüpel-like factor 4 in normal homeostasis, cancer and stem cells

Krüpel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is a zinc finger-type transcription factor expressed in a variety of tissues, including the epithelium of the intestine and the skin, and it plays an important role in differentiation and cell cycle arrest. Depending on the gene targeted, KLF4 can both activate and repress transcription. Moreover, in certain cellular contexts, KLF4 can function as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene. Finally, KLF4 is important in reprogramming differentiated fibroblasts into inducible pluripotent stem cells, which highly resemble embryonic stem cells. This review summarizes what is known about the diverse functions of KLF4 as well as their molecular mechanisms.

Tip60 functions as a potential corepressor of KLF4 in regulation of HDC promoter activity

KLF4 is a transcription factor that is highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Previously we have demonstrated that KLF4 represses HDC promoter activity in a gastric cell line through both an upstream Sp1 binding GC box and downstream gastrin responsive elements. However, the mechanism by which KLF4 inhibits HDC promoter is not well defined. In the current study, by using yeast two-hybrid screening, Tip60 was identified as a KLF4 interacting protein. Further coimmunoprecipitation and functional reporter assays support the interaction between these two proteins. In addition, Tip60 and HDAC7, previously shown to interact with each other and repress transcription, inhibited HDC promoter activity in a dose-dependent fashion. Consistently, knock down of Tip60 or HDAC7 gene expression by specific shRNA increased endogenous HDC mRNA level. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that HDAC7 was pulled down by KLF4 and Tip60, suggesting that these three proteins form a repressive complex. Further chromatin immuno-precipitation indicated that all three proteins associated with HDC promoter. Two-hour gastrin treatment, known to activate HDC gene expression, significantly decreased the association of KLF4, Tip60 and HDAC7 with HDC promoter, suggesting that gastrin activates HDC gene expression at least partly by decreasing the formation of KLF4/Tip60/HDAC7 repressive complexes at the HDC promoter.

Coordinate loss of fibroblast growth factor 2 and laminin 5 expression during neoplastic progression of mammary duct epithelium

Branching morphogenesis in mammary ducts is associated with the expression of a number of proteins. These include laminin 5 and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2. Both proteins are lost with malignant transformation of mammary epithelium and have causal roles in branching morphogenesis in breast cancer cells in vitro. The in vivo relationships of these proteins with each other and with the loss of branched structures and mammary ductal dedifferentiation are not known. We carried out indirect fluorescence staining on subsets of archived pathologic samples from 55 patients, with a total of 140 pathologic entities, many with multiple stages of dedifferentiation present on the same cut, using antibodies to fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR1), and laminin 5 to determine expression. We also used Western blots to detect laminin 5 expression in MCF-7, T-47D, and MDA-MB-231 cells transfected with vectors constitutively expressing FGF-2 and immunofluorescence staining of matrix proteins deposited by these cells to determine export and accumulation of laminin 5. FGF-2 and laminin 5 expression were found throughout benign and atypical dedifferentiation in mammary tissue samples and were lost primarily with transformation to invasive cancer. FGFR1 was expressed in all cell types. Cancer cells enforced to express FGF-2 did not have detectable laminin 5 on Western blot, but matrix proteins deposited in culture did stain positive, suggesting accumulation of exported laminin 5. Data suggest roles for FGF-2 and laminin 5 in ductal integrity during mammary carcinogenesis, with loss of expression corresponding to loss of ductal structure. In vitro data suggest FGF-2 as causal in laminin 5 expression and export. Down-regulation of FGF-2 during transformation may contribute to loss of laminin 5 expression.

Tough beginnings: alterations in the transcriptome of cloned embryos during the first two cell cycles

Cloned embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) display a plethora of phenotypic characteristics that make them different from fertilized embryos, indicating defects in the process of nuclear reprogramming by the recipient ooplasm. To elucidate the extent and timing of nuclear reprogramming, we used microarrays to analyze the transcriptome of mouse SCNT embryos during the first two cell cycles. We identified a large number of genes mis-expressed in SCNT embryos. We found that genes involved in transcription and regulation of transcription are prominent among affected genes, and thus may be particularly difficult to reprogram, and these likely cause a ripple effect that alters the transcriptome of many other functions, including oxidative phosphorylation, transport across membrane, and mRNA transport and processing. Interestingly, we also uncovered widespread alterations in the maternal (i.e., non-transcribed) mRNA population of SCNT embryos. We conclude that gene expression in early SCNT embryos is grossly abnormal, and that this is at least in part the result of incomplete reprogramming of transcription factor genes.

Activation of the human pregnancy-specific glycoprotein PSG-5 promoter by KLF4 and Sp1

Pregnancy-specific glycoproteins (PSGs) are major placental proteins thought to be essential for the maintenance of gestation. Little is known about the regulation of expression of the 11 genes encoding these proteins. It was previously demonstrated that Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) and specific-protein 1 (Sp1) bind to conserved sequence within the PSG-5 gene promoter. Informatics analysis revealed the presence of one potential binding site for Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), in the PSG-5 promoter, suggesting a potential transcriptional regulator role for KLF4. Using gene promoter-reporter transfections and X-ChIP assays, we demonstrated that KLF4 is an activator of the PSG-5 promoter by binding to a KLF consensus like binding which includes the Core Promoter Element region (-147/-140). Furthermore, we used previous data showing the binding of Sp1 transcription factor to a GT-box (-443/-437) and co-transfection assays with KLF4 and Sp1 to demonstrate the strong synergic activity of these two factors on the PSG-5 promoter.

KLF4, p21 and context-dependent opposing forces in cancer

Krüppel-like factors are transcriptional regulators that influence several cellular functions, including proliferation. Recent studies have shown that one family member, KLF4, can function both as a tumour suppressor and an oncogene. The ability of KLF4 to affect the levels of expression of the cell-cycle regulator p21 seems to be involved, in that this protein might function as a switch that determines the outcome of KLF4 signalling. Is this role of p21 restricted to KLF4, or does p21 represent a nodal point for signals from multiple other factors with opposing functions in cancer?

CREB-binding protein regulates apoptosis and growth of HMECs grown in reconstituted ECM via laminin-5

Interactions between normal mammary epithelial cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) are important for mammary gland homeostasis. Loss of interactions between ECM and normal mammary epithelial cells are thought to be an early event in mammary carcinogenesis. CREB-binding protein (CBP) is an important regulator of proliferation and apoptosis but the role of CBP in ECM signaling is poorly characterized. CBP was suppressed in basal-cytokeratin-positive HMECs (CK5/6+, CK14+, CK8-, CK18-, CK19-). Suppression of CBP resulted in loss of reconstituted ECM-mediated growth control and apoptosis and loss of laminin-5 alpha3-chain expression. Suppression of CBP in normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) resulted in loss of CBP occupancy of the LAMA3A promoter and decreased LAMA3A promoter activity and laminin-5 alpha-3 chain expression. Exogenous expression of CBP in CBP-negative HMECs that have lost reconstituted ECM-mediated growth regulation and apoptosis resulted in (1) CBP occupancy of the LAMA3A promoter, (2) increased LAMA3A activity and laminin-5 alpha3-chain expression, and (3) enhancement of reconstituted ECM-mediated growth regulation and apoptosis. Similarly, suppression of laminin-5 alpha3-chain expression in HMECs resulted in loss of reconstituted ECM-mediated growth control and apoptosis. These observations suggest that loss of CBP in basal-cytokeratin-positive HMECs results in loss of reconstituted ECM-mediated growth control and apoptosis through loss of LAMA3A activity and laminin-5 alpha3-chain expression. Results in these studies may provide insight into early events in basal-type mammary carcinogenesis.

Emerging role of KLF4 in human gastrointestinal cancer

Recent analyses revealed that Krüppel-like factors (KLFs) play important roles in both normal development and carcinogenesis. Of the 16 known KLFs, KLF4 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of proliferation, differentiation and tumorigenesis of gastrointestinal tract epithelium. Clinical, experimental and mechanistic findings indicate that KLF4 is a bona fide tumor suppressor for both gastric and colorectal cancers. In this review, we summarize how this growing area of research has formed and the challenging new frontiers for better understanding of the oncogenic potential of the KLFs.

Combinatorial control of the bradykinin B2 receptor promoter by p53, CREB, KLF-4, and CBP: implications for terminal nephron differentiation

Despite a wealth of knowledge regarding the early steps of epithelial differentiation, little is known about the mechanisms responsible for terminal nephron differentiation. The bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) regulates renal function and integrity, and its expression is induced during terminal nephron differentiation. This study investigates the transcriptional regulation of the B2R during kidney development. The rat B2R 5′-flanking region has a highly conserved cis-acting enhancer in the proximal promoter consisting of contiguous binding sites for the transcription factors cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), p53, and Krüppel-like factor (KLF-4). The B2R enhancer drives reporter gene expression in inner medullary collecting duct-3 cells but is considerably weaker in other cell types. Site-directed mutagenesis and expression of dominant negative mutants demonstrated the requirement of CREB DNA binding and Ser-133 phosphorylation for optimal enhancer function. Moreover, helical phasing experiments showed that disruption of the spatial organization of the enhancer inhibits B2R promoter activity. Several lines of evidence indicate that cooperative interactions among the three transcription factors occur in vivo during terminal nephron differentiation: 1) CREB, p53, and KLF-4 are coexpressed in B2R-positive differentiating cells; 2) the maturational expression of B2R correlates with CREB/p53/KLF-4 DNA-binding activity; 3) assembly of CREB, p53, and KLF-4 on chromatin at the endogenous B2R promoter is developmentally regulated and is accompanied by CBP recruitment and histone hyperacetylation; and 4) CREB and p53 occupancy of the B2R enhancer is cooperative. These results demonstrate that combinatorial interactions among the transcription factors, CREB, p53, and KLF-4, and the coactivator CBP, may be critical for the regulation of B2R gene expression during terminal nephron differentiation.

Tumor cell invasiveness correlates with changes in integrin expression and localization

In nontumorigenic mammary epithelial cells (EpH4), transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta1) causes cell cycle arrest/apoptosis, but induces epitheliomesenchymal transition (EMT) in Ha-Ras-transformed EpH4 cells (EpRas). EMT is closely correlated with late-stage tumor progression and results in fibroblastic, migratory cells displaying a mesenchymal gene expression program (FibRas). EpRas and FibRas cells showed strongly increased cell substrate adhesion to fibronectin, collagens I/IV and laminin 1. Furthermore, Ras transformation caused enhanced or de-novo expression of the integrin subunits beta1, alpha2 and alpha3, or alpha5 and alpha6, respectively, the latter subunits being even more strongly expressed in FibRas cells. Importantly, polarized EpRas cells expressed integrin subunits beta1 and alpha6 at distinct (apical and lateral) membrane domains, while FibRas cells coexpressed these integrins and alpha5 at the entire plasma membrane. During EMT, EpRas cells formed an alpha5beta1 complex and deposited its ligand fibronectin into the extracellular matrix. Function-blocking alpha5 antibodies attenuated migration, and caused massive apoptosis in EpRas cells undergoing TGFbeta1-induced EMT in collagen gels, but failed to affect EpRas- or FibRas-derived structures. We conclude that functional alpha5beta1 integrin is centrally implicated in EMT induction. Importantly, FibRas cells also failed to deposit the alpha6beta4 ligand laminin 5, suggesting that alpha6beta4 is no longer functional after EMT and replaced by mesenchymal integrins such as alpha5beta1.

The Leukocyte Integrin Gene CD11d Is Repressed by Gut-enriched Kruppel-like Factor 4 in Myeloid Cells

The myeloid-specific leukocyte integrin CD11d encodes the alphaD subunit for the alphaDbeta2 receptor. A yeast one-hybrid screen showed that a longer isoform of gut-enriched Kruppel-like factor 4 (GKLF) we term GKLFa interacts with the CD11d promoter. Purified GST-GKLFa protein was shown to bind within the -61 to -44 region that overlaps a binding site for the CD11d transcriptional activators Sp1 and transforming growth factor beta-inducible early gene-1 (TIEG1). Transfection of GKLF/GKLFa in myeloid cells reduced CD11d promoter activity, whereas, down-regulation of GKLF/GKLFa with small interfering RNAs led to up-regulation of CD11d expression. Differentiation of myeloid cells with phorbol ester led to activation of the CD11d promoter and reduced occupancy of the promoter by GKLF/GKLFa but an increased occupancy by TIEG1 in vivo. Binding of GKLF/GKLFa, Sp1, and TIEG1 to the CD11d promoter in vivo is dependent on their zinc finger DNA binding domains. GKLFa physically associates with the histone deacetylases (HDAC) 1 and 2, and both HDACs are bound to the CD11d promoter in vivo but released after exposure of myeloid cells to phorbol ester suggesting that GKLF/GKLFa recruits HDACs to effect repression.

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) represses histidine decarboxylase gene expression through an upstream Sp1 site and downstream gastrin responsive elements

Histidine decarboxylase (HDC) is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of histidine to histamine, a bioamine that plays an important role in allergic responses, inflammation, neurotransmission, and gastric acid secretion. Previously, we demonstrated that gastrin activates HDC promoter activity in a gastric cancer (AGS-E) cell line through three overlapping downstream promoter elements. In the current study, we used the yeast one-hybrid strategy to identify nuclear factors that bind to these three elements. Among eight positives from the one-hybrid screen, we identified Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) (previously known as gut-enriched Kruppel-like factor (GKLF)) as one factor that binds to the gastrin responsive elements in the HDC promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that KLF4 is able to bind all three gastrin responsive elements. In addition, transient cotransfection experiments showed that overexpression of KLF4 dose dependently and specifically inhibited HDC promoter activity. Regulation of HDC transcription by KLF4 was confirmed by changes in the endogenous HDC messenger RNA by KLF4 small interfering RNA and KLF4 overexpression. We further showed that KLF4 inhibits HDC promoter activity by competing with Sp1 at the upstream GC box and also independently by binding the three downstream gastrin responsive elements. Taken together, these results indicate that KLF4 can act to repress HDC gene expression by Sp1-dependent and -independent mechanisms.

Kruppel-like factors regulate the Lama1 gene encoding the laminin alpha1 chain

Laminin-1 (alpha1beta1gamma1), a basement membrane (BM) constituent, has been associated with differentiation processes and also with malignant progression. In the intestinal tissue, the alpha1 chain is expressed and secreted in the subepithelial BM during the developmental period; in the adult rodent tissue, it is restricted to the BM of the dividing cells. To understand how laminin alpha1 chain expression is regulated, we cloned and characterized a 2-kb promoter region of the Lama1 mouse gene. Analysis of the promoter was conducted in the Caco2-TC7 intestinal epithelial cells by transient transfection of serially deleted and site-directed mutated promoter constructs, by electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and expression of selected transcription factors. We determined that a proximal region, which includes an Sp1-binding GC box and a Krüppel-like element, was important for the promoter activity. This region is conserved between the human and mouse genes. Interestingly, two Krüppel-like factors KLF4 and KLF5 exhibit opposing effects on the Lama1 promoter activity that are decreased and increased, respectively, in the intestinal epithelial cells. These data corroborate the complementary expression of KLF4 and KLF5 along the intestinal crypt-villus axis and the parallel expression of KLF5 and laminin alpha1 chain in the crypt region. Finally, we showed that glucocorticoids stimulate the promoter activity. This study is the first characterization of the Lama1 promoter; we identified regulatory elements that may account for the expression pattern of the endogenous protein in the mouse intestine.

Transcriptional regulation of A33 antigen expression by gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor

A33 antigen is a membrane-bound protein that is expressed only in intestinal epithelium and in most human colon cancers. Thus, A33 antigen has been explored as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of colon cancers. However, little is known about the mechanism responsible for the tissue-specific pattern of its expression. In this report, we demonstrate that gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor (GKLF) binds to the promoter region of A33 antigen gene in colonic carcinoma cells and that mutations in the GKLF binding sequence in this region lead to diminished expression of A33 antigen. In addition, the expression of GKLF is linked to the expression of A33 antigen and blocking the expression of GKLF leads to the abolishment of A33 antigen expression. These results suggest that GKLF is a critical regulator in inducing the expression of A33 antigen in intestinal epithelium. While it has been suggested that GKLF is a regulator in inducing cell growth arrest and differentiation of the intestine, our observation that A33 antigen gene is a downstream target for GKLF suggests a more complex and diverse role for GKLF in the gut.

Transcriptional profiling of Krüppel-like factor 4 reveals a function in cell cycle regulation and epithelial differentiation

Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is an epithelially enriched, zinc finger-containing transcription factor, the expression of which is associated with growth arrest. Constitutive expression of KLF4 inhibits G1/S transition of the cell cycle but the manner by which it accomplishes this effect is unclear. To better understand the biochemical function of KLF4, we identified its target genes using cDNA microarray analysis in an established human cell line containing inducible KLF4. RNA extracted from induced and control cells were hybridized differentially to microarray chips containing 9600 human cDNAs. In all, 84 genes with significantly increased expression and 107 genes with significantly reduced expression due to KLF4 induction were identified. The affected genes are sorted to several clusters on the basis of functional relatedness. A major cluster belongs to genes involved in cell-cycle control. Within this cluster, many up-regulated genes are inhibitors of the cell cycle and down-regulated genes are promoters of the cell cycle. Another up-regulated gene cluster includes nine keratin genes, of which seven are located in a specific region on chromosome 12. The results indicate that KLF4 is involved in the control of cell proliferation and does so by eliciting changes in expression of numerous cell-cycle regulatory genes in a concerted manner. Furthermore, KLF4 regulates expression of a group of epithelial-specific keratin genes in a manner consistent with a potential locus control region function.

Down-regulation of gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor expression in esophageal cancer

AIM: Esophageal carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in China. But the molecular mechanisms of esophageal carcinoma remains unclear. Gut-enriched Krüppel-like factor (GKLF) is a newly identified transcription factor which is expressed abandantly in the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract and deregulation of GKLF was linked to several types of cancer. It is of interest to study the expression and role of GKLF in esophageal carcinoma.

METHODS: Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare GKLF expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma to normal mucosa of the same patients. The serum deprivation inducibility of GKLF was observed in an esophageal squamous cancer cell line by comparison to the primary culture of human fibroblast. The effect of antisense GKLF transfection on the proliferation and adhesion of esophageal squamous cancer cell line was also observed.

RESULTS: The level of GKLF transcript is lower in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to paired normal-appearing mucosa in 14 of 17 of the tumors analyzed. The serum deprivation inducibility of GKLF was greatly decreased in an esophageal squamous cancer cell line compared to the primary culture of human fibroblast. Decreased expression of GKLF in the esophageal cancer cell by antisense GKLF transfection increased its proliferation rate compared with that of vector transfected cell control (P < 0.05). Transfection of antisense GKLF decreased its adhesion ability (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate the down-regulation of GKLF in esophageal squamous cancer, and suggest that deregulation of GKLF may play a role in initiation and/or progression as well as the metastasis of esophageal squamous cancer.

BRCA1 transcriptionally regulates genes involved in breast tumorigenesis

Loss of function of BRCA1 caused by inherited mutation and tissue-specific somatic mutation leads to breast and ovarian cancer. Nearly all BRCA1 germ-line mutations involve truncation or loss of the C-terminal BRCT transcriptional activation domain, suggesting that transcriptional regulation is a critical function of the wild-type gene. The purpose of this project was to determine whether there is a link between the role of BRCA1 in transcriptional regulation and its role in tumor suppression. We developed a cell line (in which BRCA1 can be induced) and used microarray analysis to compare transcription profiles of epithelial cells with low endogenous levels of BRCA1 vs. transcription profiles of cells with 2-4-fold higher induced levels of expression of BRCA1. At these levels of expression, BRCA1 did not induce apoptosis. Undirected cluster analysis of six paired experiments revealed 373 genes, the expression of which was altered significantly and consistently by BRCA1 induction. Expression of 62 genes was altered more than 2-fold. BRCA1-regulated genes associated with breast tumorigenesis included the estrogen-responsive genes MYC and cyclin D1, which are overexpressed in many breast tumors; STAT1 and JAK1, key components of the cytokine signal transduction pathway; the extracellular matrix protein laminin 3A; ID4, an inhibitor of DNA-binding transcriptional activators, which in turn negatively regulates BRCA1 expression; and the prohormone stanniocalcin, expression of which is lost in breast tumor cells. Coordinated expression of BRCA1 with ID4 and with stanniocalcin was confirmed in primary breast and ovarian tumors.