Sequence homologies in the region preceding the transcription initiation site of the liver estrogen-responsive vitellogenin and apo-VLDLII genes

The power of the (imperfect) palindrome: Sequence-specific roles of palindromic motifs in gene regulation

In human languages, a palindrome reads the same forward as backward (e.g., 'madam'). In regulatory DNA, a palindrome is an inverted sequence repeat that allows a transcription factor to bind as a homodimer or as a heterodimer with another type of transcription factor. Regulatory palindromes are typically imperfect, that is, the repeated sequences differ in at least one base pair, but the functional significance of this asymmetry remains poorly understood. Here, we review the use of imperfect palindromes in Drosophila photoreceptor differentiation and mammalian steroid receptor signaling. Moreover, we discuss mechanistic explanations for the predominance of imperfect palindromes over perfect palindromes in these two gene regulatory contexts. Lastly, we propose to elucidate whether specific imperfectly palindromic variants have specific regulatory functions in steroid receptor signaling and whether such variants can help predict transcriptional outcomes as well as the response of individual patients to drug treatments.

Hepatic estrogen-responsive genes relating to oogenesis in cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki): The transcriptional induction in primary cultured hepatocytes and the in vitro promoter transactivation in responses to estradiol-17β

Estradiol-17β (E2) regulates transcription of estrogen-responsive genes via estrogen receptors (Esr). In many teleost species, choriogenin (chg), vitellogenin (vtg) and esr genes are transactivated by E2 in the liver. This study aimed i) to compare expression properties of all subtypes of these genes (chg: chgHα, chgHβ, chgL; vtg: vtgAs, vtgC; esr: esr1a, esr1b, esr2a, esr2b) in response to estrogen stimulation, and ii) to confirm how each of four Esr subtypes is involved in the transcriptional regulation of these estrogen-responsive genes in cutthroat trout hepatocytes. In hepatocytes in primary culture, all chg and vtg subtype mRNA levels, and those of esr1a, were increased by E2 treatment (10^-6 M) at 24 and 72 h post initiation (hpi), but esr1b, esr2a and esr2b mRNA levels were not. Treatment of hepatocytes with various concentrations of E2 (10^-11-10^-6 M) induced dose-dependent increases in the levels of all chg and vtg subtype mRNAs at 24 and 72 hpi. At both time points, the lowest dose that induced a significant increase in the expression levels of mRNAs (LOEC) for E2 differed among the genes; LOECs were estimated as 10^-11 M for chgHα at 24 hpi, as 10^-9 M for vtgC at 72 hpi, and as 10^-10 M for other mRNAs at both 24 and 72 hpi. Meanwhile, the levels of esr1a mRNA exhibited a dose-dependent increase at 24 and 72 hpi, but the LOEC shifted from 10^-9 M at 24 hpi to 10^-7 M at 72 hpi because of a decrease in mRNA levels at treatment groups exposed to high concentrations of E2. All Esr subtypes transactivated chg, vtg and esr1a promoters in the presence of E2 in vitro. The activation levels indicated that promoter activity of chgHα ≥ vtgAs > chgHβ > chgL ≥ vtgC ≥ esr1a when mediated by Esr1a, chgHβ > chgHα > chgHL > vtgAs ≥ vtgC ≥ esr1a by Esr1b, chgHβ ≥ chgL > chgHα ≥ vtgAs > vtgC > esr1a by Esr2a, and chgHβ ≥ chgHα ≥ vtgAs > chgL ≥ vtgC > esr1a by Esr2b. Collectively, different Esr subtypes were distinctly different in their ability to transactivate estrogen-responsive target genes, resulting in differential expression of chg, vtg and esr1a genes in the estrogen-exposed hepatocytes.

Roles of Estrogens in the Healthy and Diseased Oviparous Vertebrate Liver

The liver is a vital organ that sustains multiple functions beneficial for the whole organism. It is sexually dimorphic, presenting sex-biased gene expression with implications for the phenotypic differences between males and females. Estrogens are involved in this sex dimorphism and their actions in the liver of several reptiles, fishes, amphibians, and birds are discussed. The liver participates in reproduction by producing vitellogenins (yolk proteins) and eggshell proteins under the control of estrogens that act via two types of receptors active either mainly in the cell nucleus (ESR) or the cell membrane (GPER1). Estrogens also control hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolisms, with a triglyceride carrier role for VLDL from the liver to the ovaries during oogenesis. Moreover, the activation of the vitellogenin genes is used as a robust biomarker for exposure to xenoestrogens. In the context of liver diseases, high plasma estrogen levels are observed in fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome (FLHS) in chicken implicating estrogens in the disease progression. Fishes are also used to investigate liver diseases, including models generated by mutation and transgenesis. In conclusion, studies on the roles of estrogens in the non-mammalian oviparous vertebrate liver have contributed enormously to unveil hormone-dependent physiological and physiopathological processes.

Chronic GPER1 Activation Protects Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Cardiomyoblast Death via Preservation of Mitochondrial Integrity and Deactivation of Mammalian Sterile-20-Like Kinase/Yes-Associated Protein Pathway

Introduction: Estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) is well-known to induce cardioprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We recently reported that acute application of E2 at the onset of reperfusion in vivo induces cardioprotective effects against I/R injury via activation of its non-steroidal receptor, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). Here, we investigated the impact and mechanism underlying chronic GPER1 activation in cultured H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Methods: H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts were cultured and pretreated with the cytotoxic agent H₂O₂ for 24 h and incubated in the presence of vehicle (control), GPER1 agonists E2 and G1, or GPER1 agonists supplemented with G15 (GPER1 antagonist) for 48 or 96 h. After treatment, cells were collected to measure the rate of cell death and viability using flow cytometry and Calcein AM assay or MTT assay, respectively. The resistance to opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), the mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP production was assessed using fluorescence microscopy, and the mitochondrial structural integrity was observed with electron microscopy. The levels of the phosphorylation of mammalian sterile-20-like kinase (MST1) and yes-associated protein (YAP) were assessed by Western blot analysis in whole-cell lysate, while the expression levels of mitochondrial biogenesis genes, YAP target genes, and proapoptotic genes were measured by qRT-PCR. Results: We found that after H₂O₂ treatment, chronic E2/G1 treatment decreased cell death effect was associated with the prevention of the S phase of the cell cycle arrest compared to control. In the mitochondria, chronic E2/G1 activation treatment preserved the cristae morphology, and increased resistance to opening of mPTP, but with little change to mitochondrial fusion/fission. Additionally, chronic E2/G1 treatment predominantly reduced phosphorylation of MST1 and YAP, as well as increased MST1 and YAP protein levels. E2 treatment also upregulated the expression levels of TGF-β and PGC-1α mRNAs and downregulated PUMA and Bim mRNAs. Except for ATP production, all the E2 or G1 effects were prevented by the cotreatment with the GPER1 antagonist, G15. Conclusion: Together, these results indicate that chronic GPER1 activation with its agonists E2 or G1 treatment protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts against oxidative stress-induced cell death and increases cell viability by preserving mitochondrial structure and function as well as delaying the opening of mPTP. These chronic GPER1 effects are associated with the deactivation of the non-canonical MST1/YAP mechanism that leads to genetic upregulation of cell growth genes (CTGF, CYR61, PGC-1α, and ANKRD1), and downregulation of proapoptotic genes (PUMA and Bim).

Estrogen Signaling in Endometrial Cancer: a Key Oncogenic Pathway with Several Open Questions

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer in the developed world, and it is one of the few cancer types that is becoming more prevalent and leading to more deaths in the USA each year. The majority of endometrial tumors are considered to be hormonally driven, where estrogen signaling through estrogen receptor α (ER) acts as an oncogenic signal. The major risk factors and some treatment options for endometrial cancer patients emphasize a key role for estrogen signaling in the disease. Despite the strong connections between estrogen signaling and endometrial cancer, important molecular aspects of ER function remain poorly understood; however, progress is being made in our understanding of estrogen signaling in endometrial cancer. Here, we discuss the evidence for the importance of estrogen signaling in endometrial cancer, details of the endometrial cancer-specific actions of ER, and open questions surrounding estrogen signaling in endometrial cancer.

Molecular cloning of vitellogenin gene promoters and in vitro and in vivo transcription profiles following estradiol-17β administration in the cutthroat trout

Transcription of vitellogenin (vtg) genes are initiated when estradiol-17β (E₂)-estrogen receptor (ER) complexes bind estrogen response elements (ERE) located in the gene promoter region. Transcriptional regulation of dual vtg subtypes (major salmonid A-type vtg: vtgAs; minor C-type vtg: vtgC) by E₂ was investigated under co-expression of a potential major transcriptional factor, erα1, in cutthroat trout. Two forms of trout vtgAs promoters (1 and 2) and one vtgC promoter were sequenced. These promoters structurally differ based on the number of EREs present. The vtgAs promoter 1 exhibited the highest maximal transcriptional activity by in vitro gene reporter assays. The concentration of E₂ that induces 50% of gene reporter activity (half-maximal effective concentrations, EC₅₀) was similar among all vtg promoters and also to the EC₅₀ of E₂ administered to induce vtg transcription in vivo. This study revealed a difference in transcriptional properties of multiple vtg promoters for the first time in a salmonid species, providing the basis to understand mechanisms underlying regulation of vitellogenesis via dual vtg gene expression.

Expression of Thyroid Hormone Responsive SPOT 14 Gene Is Regulated by Estrogen in Chicken (Gallus gallus)

Thyroid hormone responsive spot 14 (THRSP) is a small nuclear protein that responds rapidly to thyroid hormone. It has been shown that THRSP is abundant in lipogenic tissues such as liver, fat and the mammary gland in mammals. The THRSP gene acts as a key lipogenic activator and can be activated by thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3), glucose, carbohydrate and insulin. Here we report that chicken THRSP is also abundant in lipogenic tissues including the liver and the abdominal fat, and its expression levels increased with sex maturation and reached the highest level at the peak of egg production. Structure analysis of the THRSP gene indicates that there is a conscious estrogen response element (ERE) located in the −2390 – −2402 range of the gene promoter region. Further studies by ChIP-qPCR proved that the ERα interacts with the putative ERE site. In addition, THRSP was significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) when chickens or chicken primary hepatocytes were treated with 17β-estradiol in both the in vivo and in vitro conditions. We therefore conclude that THRSP is directly regulated by estrogen and is involved in the estrogen regulation network in chicken.

The p53-estrogen receptor loop in cancer

Tumor suppressor p53 maintains genome stability by regulating diverse cellular functions including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence and metabolic homeostasis. Mutations in the p53 gene occur in almost all human cancers with a frequency of up to 80%. However, it is only 20% in breast cancers, 18% in endometrial cancers and 1.5% in cervical cancers. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) plays a pivotal role in hormone-dependent cancer development and the status of ERα is used for designing treatment strategy and for prognosis. A closer look at the cross-talk between p53 and ERα has revealed that their activities are mutually regulated. This review will summarize the current body of knowledge on p53, ERα and ERβ in cancer. Clinical correlations between estrogen receptors and p53 status have also been reported. Thus, this review will discuss the relationship between p53 and ERs at both the molecular and clinical levels.

Structure and function of steroid receptor RNA activator protein, the proposed partner of SRA noncoding RNA

In a widely accepted model, the steroid receptor RNA activator protein (SRA protein; SRAP) modulates the transcriptional regulatory activity of SRA RNA by binding a specific stem-loop of SRA. We first confirmed that SRAP is present in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm of MCF-7 breast cancer cells, where it is expressed at the level of about 10(5) molecules per cell. However, our SRAP-RNA binding experiments, both in vitro with recombinant protein and in cultured cells with plasmid-expressed protein and RNA, did not reveal a specific interaction between SRAP and SRA. We determined the crystal structure of the carboxy-terminal domain of human SRAP and found that it does not have the postulated RRM (RNA recognition motif). The structure is a five-helix bundle that is distinct from known RNA-binding motifs and instead is similar to the carboxy-terminal domain of the yeast spliceosome protein PRP18, which stabilizes specific protein-protein interactions within a multisubunit mRNA splicing complex. SRA binding experiments with this domain gave negative results. Transcriptional regulation by SRA/SRAP was examined with siRNA knockdown. Effects on both specific estrogen-responsive genes and genes identified by RNA-seq as candidates for regulation were examined in MCF-7 cells. Only a small effect (~20% change) on one gene resulting from depletion of SRA/SRAP could be confirmed. We conclude that the current model for SRAP function must be reevaluated; we suggest that SRAP may function in a different context to stabilize specific intermolecular interactions in the nucleus.

Characterization of estrogen response element binding proteins as biomarkers of breast cancer behavior

BACKGROUND

While investigating estrogen response element (ERE) binding properties of human estrogen receptor-α (hERα) in breast cancer cytosols, other ERE-binding proteins (ERE-BP) were observed.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Recognition properties of ERE-BP were evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) with ERE sequences of the 5'-flanking region of the estrogen responsive gene vitellogenin A2 (VitA2). Cytosols were incubated 16 h, 4 °C with [32P]ERE sequences and separated by EMSA. A method of estimating ERE-BP levels was developed by measuring band intensity from EMSA profiles, expressed in digital light units (DLU)/μg protein and normalized to total DLU. ERE-BP were purified by affinity chromatography and EMSA, and then identified by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

ERE-BP in cytosols did not supershift in the presence of anti-hERα or anti-hERβ antibodies recognizing different ER epitopes suggesting that they are not fragments of either receptor isoform. ERE-BP competed with hERα for binding to VitA2-ERE. Increased levels of ERE-BP DNA-binding activities measured in 310 cytosols prepared from breast cancer biopsies correlated with decreased patient survival. Strikingly, breast cancer patients with ER negative status and high ERE-BP expression exhibited the poorest disease-free and overall survival. After purification, ERE-BP were identified as Ku70 (XRCC6) and Ku80 (XRCC5) using mass spectrometry. ERE-BP were confirmed to be Ku70/80 by supershift assay.

CONCLUSION

Presence of these novel ERE-binding proteins in a breast carcinoma is a strong predictor of poor prognosis. Our results suggest that ERE-BP, identified as Ku70/Ku80, in cytosols prepared from breast carcinoma biopsies are useful biomarkers for assessing risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Transcriptional activation of breast cancer-associated gene 2 by estrogen receptor

RNF115, or Breast Cancer-Associated Gene 2 (BCA2), encodes a RING-finger ubiquitin E3 ligase, expression of which was associated with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive status in human breast tumors. Although the BCA2 promoter contains several estrogen response element (ERE) half-sites, the role of ER in the regulation of BCA2 transcription has not been reported. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism by which estrogen regulates BCA2 transcription. BCA2 mRNA and protein levels were examined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively, and localization was assessed by immunofluorescence. BCA2 promoter activity in response to E(2) was tested by a dual luciferase reporter assay and ER binding to the BCA2 promoter was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We found that BCA2 mRNA and protein levels are regulated by estrogen in ER-positive MCF7 breast cancer cells and MDA MB 231 cells stably transfected with ER. Estrogen treatment in hormonal depleted MCF7 and MDA MB 231/ER stably transfected cells resulted in increased nuclear ER and cytoplasmic and nuclear BCA2 staining. Cycloheximide is not able to inhibit BCA2 mRNA levels, suggesting potential BCA2 regulation at the transcriptional level. Anti-estrogens like tamoxifen and ICI 182 178 counteracted E(2)-induced BCA2 protein and knockdown of ER by ER siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in BCA2 protein and a lower nuclear expression pattern. Estrogen treatment lead to a significant increase in BCA2 promoter response, associated with increased binding of ER to the ERE region of the BCA2 promoter. BCA2 is therefore a newly identified transcriptional target of estrogen receptor.

Expanding the paradigm for estrogen receptor binding and transcriptional activation

Estrogen receptor (ER) binds to a spectrum of functional estrogen response elements (ERE) within the human genome, including ERE half-sites (HERE), inverted and direct repeats. This has been confounding, because ER has been reported to bind weakly, if at all, to these sites in vitro. We show that ER binds strongly to these nonconventional EREs, and the binding is enhanced by the presence of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1). Collectively, these and previous findings reinforce the notion of the plasticity of strong ER/ERE interactions, consistent with their broader range of observed binding specificity. In addition, transient transfection studies using luciferase reporter gene assays show that these EREs drive luciferase activity, and HMGB1 enhances transcriptional activity. Furthermore, HMGB1 gene expression knockdown results in a precipitous drop in luciferase activity, suggesting a prominent role for HMGB1 in activation of estrogen/ER-responsive genes. Therefore, these data advocate that the minimal target site for ER is a cHERE (consensus HERE) that occurs in many different contexts and that HMGB1 enhances both the binding affinity and transcriptional activity. This challenges the current paradigm for ER binding affinity and functional activity and suggests that the paradigm requires significant reevaluation and modification. These findings also suggest a possible mechanism for a cross talk between genes regulated by ER and class II nuclear receptors.

Impact of sex hormone metabolism on the vascular effects of menopausal hormone therapy in cardiovascular disease

Epidemiological studies have shown that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is less common in pre-menopausal women (Pre-MW) compared to men of the same age or post-menopausal women (Post-MW), suggesting cardiovascular benefits of estrogen. Estrogen receptors (ERs) have been identified in the vasculature, and experimental studies have demonstrated vasodilator effects of estrogen/ER on the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and extracellular matrix. Several natural and synthetic estrogenic preparations have been developed for relief of menopausal vasomotor symptoms. However, whether menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is beneficial in postmenopausal CVD remains controversial. Despite reports of vascular benefits of MHT from observational and experimental studies, randomized clinical trials (RCTs), such as the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), have suggested that, contrary to expectations, MHT may increase the risk of CVD. These discrepancies could be due to agerelated changes in sex hormone synthesis and metabolism, which would influence the effective dose of MHT and the sex hormone environment in Post-MW. Age-related changes in the vascular ER subtype, structure, expression, distribution, and post-ER signaling pathways in the endothelium and VSM, along with factors related to the design of RCTs, preexisting CVD condition, and structural changes in the blood vessels architecture have also been suggested as possible causes of MHT failure in CVD. Careful examination of these factors should help in identifying the causes of the changes in the vascular effects of estrogen with age. The sex hormone metabolic pathways, the active versus inactive estrogen metabolites, and their effects on vascular function, the mitochondria, the inflammatory process and angiogenesis should be further examined. Also, the genomic and non-genomic effects of estrogenic compounds should be viewed as integrated rather than discrete responses. The complex interactions between these factors highlight the importance of careful design of MHT RCTs, and the need of a more customized approach for each individual patient in order to enhance the vascular benefits of MHT in postmenopausal CVD.

The tri-nucleotide spacer sequence between estrogen response element half-sites is conserved and modulates ERalpha-mediated transcriptional responses

The estrogen response element (ERE) consensus sequence is AGGTCAnnnTGACCT, where nnn is known as the tri-nucleotide spacer sequence. Studying 1017 high-confidence ERalpha-bound loci, we found that genomic EREs are enriched for spacers composed of C(A/T)G, suggesting that the spacer may influence receptor binding and transcriptional responses. We designed consensus EREs containing variable spacer sequences and compared ERalpha binding in gel shift assays and enhancer function in reporter assays. We found that ERalpha-ERE binding affinity is modulated by the tri-nucleotide spacer sequence and is favored by spacer sequences of CTG>GCC>TTT. Similarly, luciferase reporter assays indicated that the estrogen-stimulated transcriptional response is modulated by the spacer and parallels the gel shift data: CTG>GCC>TTT. Reporter assays demonstrated that the spacer sequence also modulates the sensitivity of EREs to repression engendered by the receptor antagonist hydroxytamoxifen. These experiments indicate that the sequence of the tri-nucleotide spacer is non-random at receptor-bound genomic loci, influences ERalpha-DNA-binding affinity, and modulates transactivation potential of the receptor-ligand-DNA complex. This work has implications for understanding which genomic EREs are targeted by ERalpha, should improve computational prediction of functional EREs within genomic sequences, and describes novel sequence determinants of the estrogen response.

Location analysis for the estrogen receptor-alpha reveals binding to diverse ERE sequences and widespread binding within repetitive DNA elements

Location analysis for estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-bound cis-regulatory elements was determined in MCF7 cells using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip. Here, we present the estrogen response element (ERE) sequences that were identified at ERα-bound loci and quantify the incidence of ERE sequences under two stringencies of detection: <10% and 10–20% nucleotide deviation from the canonical ERE sequence. We demonstrate that ∼50% of all ERα-bound loci do not have a discernable ERE and show that most ERα-bound EREs are not perfect consensus EREs. Approximately one-third of all ERα-bound ERE sequences reside within repetitive DNA sequences, most commonly of the AluS family. In addition, the 3-bp spacer between the inverted ERE half-sites, rather than being random nucleotides, is C(A/T)G-enriched at bona fide receptor targets. Diverse ERα-bound loci were validated using electrophoretic mobility shift assay and ChIP-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The functional significance of receptor-bound loci was demonstrated using luciferase reporter assays which proved that repetitive element ERE sequences contribute to enhancer function. ChIP-PCR demonstrated estrogen-dependent recruitment of the coactivator SRC3 to these loci in vivo. Our data demonstrate that ERα binds to widely variant EREs with less sequence specificity than had previously been suspected and that binding at repetitive and nonrepetitive genomic targets is favored by specific trinucleotide spacers.

Relationship between estrogen receptor alpha location and gene induction reveals the importance of downstream sites and cofactors

BACKGROUND

To understand cancer-related modifications to transcriptional programs requires detailed knowledge about the activation of signal-transduction pathways and gene expression programs. To investigate the mechanisms of target gene regulation by human estrogen receptor alpha (hERalpha), we combine extensive location and expression datasets with genomic sequence analysis. In particular, we study the influence of patterns of DNA occupancy by hERalpha on expression phenotypes.

RESULTS

We find that strong ChIP-chip sites co-localize with strong hERalpha consensus sites and detect nucleotide bias near hERalpha sites. The localization of ChIP-chip sites relative to annotated genes shows that weak sites are enriched near transcription start sites, while stronger sites show no positional bias. Assessing the relationship between binding configurations and expression phenotypes, we find binding sites downstream of the transcription start site (TSS) to be equally good or better predictors of hERalpha-mediated expression as upstream sites. The study of FOX and SP1 cofactor sites near hERalpha ChIP sites shows that induced genes frequently have FOX or SP1 sites. Finally we integrate these multiple datasets to define a high confidence set of primary hERalpha target genes.

CONCLUSION

Our results support the model of long-range interactions of hERalpha with the promoter-bound cofactor SP1 residing at the promoter of hERalpha target genes. FOX motifs co-occur with hERalpha motifs along responsive genes. Importantly we show that the spatial arrangement of sites near the start sites and within the full transcript is important in determining response to estrogen signaling.

Development of a bio-assay for estrogens using estrogen receptor alpha gene expression by MCF7 cells as biomarker

Estrogenic endocrine disruptors (EDCs) have been identified in soil, food, air, and water, and may produce adverse health effects in both humans and wildlife. Various in vitro assays, including the E-screen that measures estrogen dependent proliferation of the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, have been developed and implemented to screen for environmental estrogenic EDCs. This study describes a new amendment to the well known E-screen. A direct ELISA to quantify ERalpha protein levels on MCF-7 cells cultured in a high through put 96-well format were validated as a biomarker for estrogenicity. The ELISA shows that there is an inverse correlation between ERalpha levels and 17beta-estradiol (E2) concentration (R(2) = 1). The detection range of the assay is between 1 and 1000 nM for E2. Results obtained with the ERalpha ELISA showed a good inverse correlation with total cellular LDH levels that is conventionally used to quantify MCF-7 cell proliferation. This ELISA was employed to assess environmental water extracts for estrogenicity.

Mechanisms of primary and secondary estrogen target gene regulation in breast cancer cells

Estrogen receptors (ERs), which mediate the proliferative action of estrogens in breast cancer cells, are ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate expression of their primary target genes through several mechanisms. In addition to direct binding to cognate DNA sequences, ERs can be recruited to DNA through other transcription factors (tethering), or affect gene transcription through modulation of signaling cascades by non-genomic mechanisms of action. To better characterize the mechanisms of gene regulation by estrogens, we have identified more than 700 putative primary and about 1300 putative secondary target genes of estradiol in MCF-7 cells through microarray analysis performed in the presence or absence of the translation inhibitor cycloheximide. Although siRNA-mediated inhibition of ERalpha expression antagonized the effects of estradiol on up- and down-regulated primary target genes, estrogen response elements (EREs) were enriched only in the vicinity of up-regulated genes. Binding sites for several other transcription factors, including proteins known to tether ERalpha, were enriched in up- and/or down-regulated primary targets. Secondary estrogen targets were particularly enriched in sites for E2F family members, several of which were transcriptionally regulated by estradiol, consistent with a major role of these factors in mediating the effects of estrogens on gene expression and cellular growth.

Rational design of an estrogen receptor mutant with altered DNA-binding specificity

Although artificial C2-H2 zinc fingers can be designed to recognize specific DNA sequences, it remains unclear to which extent nuclear receptor C4 zinc fingers can be tailored to bind novel DNA elements. Steroid receptors bind as dimers to palindromic response elements differing in the two central base pairs of repeated motifs. Predictions based on one amino acid—one base-pair relationships may not apply to estrogen receptors (ERs), which recognize the two central base pairs of estrogen response elements (EREs) via two charged amino acids, each contacting two bases on opposite DNA strands. Mutagenesis of these residues, E203 and K210 in ERα, indicated that both contribute to ERE binding. Removal of the electric charge and steric constraints associated with K210 was required for full loss of parental DNA-binding specificity and recognition of novel sequences by E203 mutants. Although some of the new binding profiles did not match predictions, the double mutation E203R-K210A generated as predicted a mutant ER that was transcriptionally active on palindromes of PuGCTCA motifs, but not on consensus EREs. This study demonstrates the feasibility of designing C4 zinc finger mutants with novel DNA-binding specificity, but also uncovers limitations of this approach.

Estrogen signaling multiple pathways to impact gene transcription

Steroid hormones exert profound effects on cell growth, development, differentiation, and homeostasis. Their effects are mediated through specific intracellular steroid receptors that act via multiple mechanisms. Among others, the action mechanism starting upon 17beta-estradiol (E2) binds to its receptors (ER) is considered a paradigmatic example of how steroid hormones function. Ligand-activated ER dimerizes and translocates in the nucleus where it recognizes specific hormone response elements located in or near promoter DNA regions of target genes. Behind the classical genomic mechanism shared with other steroid hormones, E2 also modulates gene expression by a second indirect mechanism that involves the interaction of ER with other transcription factors which, in turn, bind their cognate DNA elements. In this case, ER modulates the activities of transcription factors such as the activator protein (AP)-1, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and stimulating protein-1 (Sp-1), by stabilizing DNA-protein complexes and/or recruiting co-activators. In addition, E2 binding to ER may also exert rapid actions that start with the activation of a variety of signal transduction pathways (e.g. ERK/MAPK, p38/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, PLC/PKC). The debate about the contribution of different ER-mediated signaling pathways to coordinate the expression of specific sets of genes is still open. This review will focus on the recent knowledge about the mechanism by which ERs regulate the expression of target genes and the emerging field of integration of membrane and nuclear receptor signaling, giving examples of the ways by which the genomic and non-genomic actions of ERs on target genes converge.

Sp1 transcription factor expression is regulated by estrogen-related receptor alpha1

The current study examines the relationship between ERRalpha1 and the Sp1 transcription factor. The transfection of ERRalpha1 enhances Sp1-DNA complex formation as visualized by electrophoresis mobility shift assay (EMSA). In addition, luciferase activity under the control of three consensus sites for Sp1 binding is activated by ERRalpha1 transfection. By looking further upstream from this point we have found that ERRalpha1 stimulates the upregulation of Sp1 protein expression by activating its transcription. Indeed, human Sp1 promoter-dependent luciferase activity is activated by ERRalpha1 transfection and a DNA-protein complex is observed by EMSA using oligonucleotides encompassing the putative ERRalpha1 binding site on the human Sp1 promoter (-1444/-1433: 5'-AGGACATGACCT-3'). In addition, activation of Sp1 promoter-dependent luciferase activity depends on the A/B and C domains of ERRalpha1 as shown with truncated ERRalpha1 cDNAs. This report is the first to demonstrate that ERRalpha1 promotes Sp1 activity through upregulation of Sp1 expression at the transcriptional level.

Mr 25 000 protein, a substrate for protein serine/threonine kinases, is identified as a part of Xenopus laevis vitellogenin B1

A phosphorylated protein with a molecular mass of 25 000 (pp25) previously purified from the cytosolic fraction of Xenopus laevis oocytes is an effective phosphate acceptor for casein kinases and protein kinase C. In this study, based on the partial amino acid sequence of pp25, a cDNA was isolated that encodes a new yolk precursor protein, Xenopus vitellogenin B1, which contained the sequence encoding pp25. Both mRNA and protein of vitellogenin B1 were expressed in all of the female organs examined. In agreement with a previous report, the amount of vitellogenin B1 protein in the liver increased after stimulation with estrogen. These results suggest that pp25 is a cytosolic non-crystallized yolk protein nutrient source, but it might also play a role in rapid development.

Limited species differences in estrogen receptor alpha-medicated reporter gene transactivation by xenoestrogens

Estrogen receptors (ERs) play an important role in estrogen function. However, it is well known that there are species differences in amino acid sequences of the ligand binding domains. Here, we report on the analysis of species differences in ER-dependent transactivation with some chemicals using reporter gene assays. Full-length ER cDNAs from human, rat, chicken, alligator (Caiman), whiptail lizard, African clawed frog and rainbow trout were prepared from hepatic mRNA by the RT-PCR method and inserted into expression plasmids. Both expression and reporter plasmids were transiently transfected into HeLa cells, and then the estrogenic effects of chemicals were analyzed in terms of induction of luciferase activity. No species differences in transactivation were found among human, rat, chicken, alligator, whiptail lizard and African clawed frog ERs. However, thermo-dependent alteration in susceptibility to 17-beta-estradiol was observed with the rainbow trout ER because of thermo-dependence of estrogen binding.

Ligand-dependent transcriptional enhancement by DNA curvature between two half motifs of the estrogen response element in the human estrogen receptor alpha gene

We previously reported five DNA bend sites (ERB-4 to -1, and ERB+1) in the promoter region of the human estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) gene [FEBS Lett. 444 (1999) 117]. One of these sites, ERB-2, was accompanied by two half motifs of the estrogen response element (ERE) and several short poly(dA)(.)poly(dT) tracts including an A(4) tract located next to a half ERE motif. This A(4) tract and the 20 bp immediate flanking sequence containing a half ERE motif (T3B) exhibited DNA curvature. Transcription assays using luciferase as a reporter gene indicated that T3B sequence conferred positive estrogen responsiveness. Mutations introduced in this sequence indicated that both bendability and estrogen responsiveness were synergistically associated with the A(4) tract located next to the half ERE motif. This motif and a mutant sequence, GGTTA, had affinity for ERalpha protein, which seems to account for ERalpha protein binding to the region without an ERE motif. These findings suggest that some DNA curvature acts as a transcriptional modulator by modifying the state of ligand effects.

Structural regions of ERalpha critical for synergistic transcriptional responses contain co-factor interacting surfaces

Most highly estrogen responsive genes are synergistically activated by multiple copies of estrogen responsive elements (EREs) capable of binding to the estrogen receptor (ER). We examined here the structural features of the receptor necessary to interact with co-regulatory proteins and to produce a synergistic pattern of activation from multiple EREs. Using full length and truncated variants of ERalpha, we show in transfected mammalian cells that although the carboxyl (AF-2) and the amino (AF-1) terminal activation domains are functionally integrated to induce transcription, AF-1 is critical for mediating synergy. Partial characterization of AF-1 sub-domains revealed that both Box-1 and Box-2 regions (amino acids 41-64 and 87-108, respectively) are essential for a synergistic response to estrogen. We show that members of the p160 family of co-factors and TIF-1 interact with the AF-2 domain of ERalpha. We also found that TIF-2, a member of the p160 family, can interact with the Box-1 region of AF-1. Apparently, structural regions required for the ability of ERalpha to induce transcription synergistically from tandem ERE sequences are also critical for the interaction of the receptor with the co-regulatory proteins.

Activity of a tamoxifen-raloxifene hybrid ligand for estrogen receptors at an AP-1 site

To test the effect of ligand flexibility on the selective transcriptional activities of ERalpha and ERbeta from an AP-1 site, an analogue of raloxifene was made that removed the ketone functionality and made the ligand more planar and conformationally more similar to 4-hydroxytamoxifen. Desketoraloxifene was found to be a much stronger activator at an AP-1 site with ERalpha than with ERbeta, mimicking 4-hydroxytamoxifen more than raloxifene.

Estrogen response elements alter coactivator recruitment through allosteric modulation of estrogen receptor beta conformation

Estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) activates transcription by binding to estrogen response elements (EREs) and coactivator proteins that act as bridging proteins between the receptor and the basal transcription machinery. Although the imperfect vitellogenin B1, pS2, and oxytocin (OT) EREs each differ from the consensus vitellogenin A2 ERE sequence by a single base pair, ERbeta activates transcription of reporter plasmids containing A2, pS2, B1, and OT EREs to different extents. To explain how these differences in transactivation might occur, we have examined the interaction of ERbeta with these EREs and monitored recruitment of the coactivators amplified in breast cancer (AIB1) and transcription intermediary factor 2 (TIF2). Protease sensitivity, antibody interaction, and DNA pull-down assays demonstrated that ERbeta undergoes ERE-dependent changes in conformation resulting in differential recruitment of AIB1 and TIF2 to the DNA-bound receptor. Overexpression of TIF2 or AIB1 in transient transfection assays differentially enhanced ERbeta-mediated transcription of reporter plasmids containing the A2, pS2, B1, and OT EREs. Our studies demonstrate that individual ERE sequences induce changes in conformation of the DNA-bound receptor and influence coactivator recruitment. DNA-induced modulation of receptor conformation may contribute to the ability of ERbeta to differentially activate transcription of genes containing divergent ERE sequences.

Molecular cloning and characterization of reptilian estrogen receptor cDNAs

cDNAs encoding alligator (caiman), Caiman crocodilus and whiptail lizard, Cnemidophorus uniparens estrogen receptors (ERs) were cloned and sequenced. This is the first report of full-length cDNA sequences for reptilian ERs, to our knowledge. The full-length alligator (caiman) ER cDNA (1764 bp, 587 amino acid residues) shows 68% amino acid homology with the full-length whiptail lizard ER cDNA (1746 bp, 581 amino acid residues). The respective ligand binding E domains have 87 and 83% amino acid homology with human ER while the DNA binding C domains show 100% amino acid homology with the human, rat and chicken forms. When the cDNAs were inserted into the pRc/RSV vector and transfected into HeLa cells with a reporter plasmid, the encoding proteins were confirmed to be functional through the interaction of the receptor-ligand complex with the estrogen responsive element (ERE).

Differential SERM activation of the estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta) at AP-1 sites

BACKGROUND

The selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) raloxifene and tamoxifen are triphenylethylene derivatives that affect transcriptional regulation by the estrogen receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta) but show different effects in different tissues. A third triphenylethylene derivative, GW-5638, displays tissue selectivity in rats identical to that of raloxifene, suggesting that GW-5638 and raloxifene share a mechanism of action that is different from that of tamoxifen.

RESULTS

Both GW-5638 and its hydroxylated analog GW-7604 were tested for their ability to bind to ERalpha and ERbeta and their ability to affect transcription of ERalpha and ERbeta at a consensus estrogen response element and an ER/AP-1 response element. The drugs were found to have the same affinity for ERalpha and ERbeta, although they were also found to activate transcription from an AP-1 promoter element more potently with ERbeta than with ERalpha. Derivatives of GW-5638 with alterations at the carboxylic acid still showed increased ERbeta potency compared to ERalpha, but the magnitude of the activation with ERalpha was much higher than with ERbeta.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar binding affinities to isolated ERalpha and ERbeta, GW-5638 and GW-7604 show markedly lower EC(50) values with ERbeta at an AP-1-driven promoter as compared to ERalpha. This suggests that the two compounds produce a more active ER/AP-1 conformation of the ER/AP-1 transcription factor complex when bound to ERbeta than when bound to ERalpha.

Occurrence of vertebrate steroids, estradiol 17beta and progesterone in the reproducing females of the mud crab Scylla serrata

In crustaceans, vitellogenesis is known to be controlled by eyestalk neuropeptides, biogenic amines, ecdysteroids and a juvenile hormone-like compound, methyl farnesoate. In recent years, the occurrence of vertebrate steroid hormones, estradiol 17beta (E2) and progesterone (PG) has also been reported in a few decapods, although their precise role in female reproduction is yet to be determined. The levels of E2 and PG in the ovary, hepatopancreas and the hemolymph of the red mud crab, Scylla serrata were analyzed in different vitellogenic stages in order to establish a correlation between hormone profile and stages of vitellogenesis. It was observed that the levels of both the steroids increased steeply in the tissues at the onset of vitellogenesis (vitellogenic stage I). Maximum levels of estradiol were present in the hepatopancreas whereas the highest concentration of progesterone was seen in the ovary, suggesting dichotomous roles for these hormones in vitellogenesis. Furthermore, levels of these hormones were estimated in different embryonic stages of the eggs of the sand crab Emerita asiatica and mud crab S. serrata. Their levels fluctuated, following a definite pattern in the different stages, suggesting a possible functional role as morphogenetic hormones. This study, in addition, also reports the presence of E2 and PG on lipovitellin purified from ovary and eggs as well as vitellogenin purified from the hemolymph implicating a role for these lipoproteins as steroid carriers.

Estrogen receptor interaction with estrogen response elements

The estrogen receptor (ER) is a ligand-activated enhancer protein that is a member of the steroid/nuclear receptor superfamily. Two genes encode mammalian ER: ERalpha and ERbeta. ER binds to specific DNA sequences called estrogen response elements (EREs) with high affinity and transactivates gene expression in response to estradiol (E(2)). The purpose of this review is to summarize how natural and synthetic variations in the ERE sequence impact the affinity of ER-ERE binding and E(2)-induced transcriptional activity. Surprisingly, although the consensus ERE sequence was delineated in 1989, there are only seven natural EREs for which both ERalpha binding affinity and transcriptional activation have been examined. Even less information is available regarding how variations in ERE sequence impact ERbeta binding and transcriptional activity. Review of data from our own laboratory and those in the literature indicate that ERalpha binding affinity does not relate linearly with E(2)-induced transcriptional activation. We suggest that the reasons for this discord include cellular amounts of coactivators and adaptor proteins that play roles both in ER binding and transcriptional activation; phosphorylation of ER and other proteins involved in transcriptional activation; and sequence-specific and protein-induced alterations in chromatin architecture.

Interaction of estrogen receptors alpha and beta with estrogen response elements

To understand how estrogen-responsive genes are regulated, we compared the abilities of estrogen receptors (ERs) alpha and beta to bind to and activate transcription through the consensus vitellogenin A2 ERE and the imperfect pS2, vitellogenin B1, and oxytocin (OT) EREs. Transient transfection experiments demonstrated that ERalpha and ERbeta induced the highest levels of transcription with the A2 ERE, intermediate levels of transcription with the OT ERE, and low levels of transcription with the pS2 and B1 EREs. ERalpha and ERbeta had higher affinities for the A2 ERE than for any of the three imperfect EREs but similar affinities for the pS2, B1, and OT EREs in gel mobility shift assays. ERalpha had a higher affinity and was a more potent activator of transcription than ERbeta. Interestingly, protease sensitivity assays demonstrated that A2, pS2, B1, and OT EREs induced distinct changes in ERalpha and ERbeta conformation thereby providing different functional surfaces for interaction with regulatory proteins involved in control of estrogen-responsive genes.

Allosteric modulation of estrogen receptor conformation by different estrogen response elements

Estrogen-regulated gene expression is dependent on interaction of the estrogen receptor (ER) with the estrogen response element (ERE). We assessed the ability of the ER to activate transcription of reporter plasmids containing either the consensus vitellogenin A2 ERE or the imperfect pS2, vitellogenin B1, or oxytocin (OT) ERE. The A2 ERE was the most potent activator of transcription. The OT ERE was significantly more effective in activating transcription than either the pS2 or B1 ERE. In deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) footprinting experiments, MCF-7 proteins protected A2 and OT EREs more effectively than the pS2 and B1 EREs. Limited protease digestion of the A2, pS2, B1, or OT ERE-bound receptor with V8 protease or proteinase K produced distinct cleavage products demonstrating that individual ERE sequences induce specific changes in ER conformation. Receptor interaction domains of glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1 and steroid receptor coactivator 1 bound effectively to the A2, pS2, B1, and OT ERE-bound receptor and significantly stabilized the receptor-DNA interaction. Similar levels of the full-length p160 protein amplified in breast cancer 1 were recruited from HeLa nuclear extracts by the A2, pS2, B1, and OT ERE-bound receptors. In contrast, significantly less transcriptional intermediary factor 2 was recruited by the B1 ERE-bound receptor than by the A2 ERE-bound receptor. These studies suggest that allosteric modulation of ER conformation by individual ERE sequences influences the recruitment of specific coactivator proteins and leads to differential expression of genes containing divergent ERE sequences.

The dissociation rate of estrogen receptor alpha from the consensus estrogen response element

The rate of dissociation of recombinant, purified human estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) from a fluorescein-labeled DNA containing the consensus vitellogenin ERE sequence (F-vitERE) was determined in real time using fluorescence anisotropy. The complex of estradiol-occupied ERalpha with F-vitERE had an apparent dissociation rate of 1.48+/-0.06x10(-2) s(-1) and a half-life of 46.6 s at room temperature. The dissociation rate was characterized by a single exponential decay, suggesting that ER dissociates from the DNA as a preformed dimer, rather than as two individual monomers. The association rate of estradiol-occupied ERalpha for the F-vitERE was calculated as 7x10(6) M(-1) s(-1) based on the dissociation rate measured and previous determinations of the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) in similar assay conditions (Ozers et al., 1997). In buffer containing various concentrations of salt, the rate of dissociation of estradiol-occupied ERalpha from F-vitERE was accelerated by increasing salt concentrations. Compared to estradiol-occupied ERalpha, the rate of dissociation of unoccupied ERalpha from the F-vitERE was very similar, indicating that estradiol occupancy does not affect the dissociation rate of ERalpha from the ERE.

Identification and characterization of a SET/NAP protein encoded by a brain-specific gene, MB20

A new member of the NAP/SET gene family, named MB20, was isolated from a mouse brain cDNA library by virtue of its CAG trinucleotide repetitive sequence and a brain-specific gene expression pattern. The complementary DNA sequence predicted an open reading frame of 545 amino acids, with four copies of an 11-amino-acid direct repeat. The consensus sequence for these repeats, PKE-P--K-EE, is present in the largest subunit of murine neurofilament (NF-H). The MB20 protein sequence is homologous to nucleosome assembly proteins of several species, and its C-terminus is homologous to SET proteins. Immunoblot analysis revealed that MB20 protein is expressed in the brain. Transient transfection and immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that MB20 is distributed in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus. Deletion of the N-terminal end imparts the complete localization of MB20 protein to the nucleus. The ability of MB20 to bind histone proteins was analyzed by sucrose gradient sedimentation and by retention of histone proteins by immobilized MB20 protein. On the basis of its expression pattern, predicted sequence, and protein properties, we propose that MB20 plays a unique role in modulating nucleosome structure and gene expression during brain development.

Estrogenic activity assessment of environmental chemicals using in vitro assays: identification of two new estrogenic compounds

Environmental chemicals with estrogenic activities have been suggested to be associated with deleterious effects in animals and humans. To characterize estrogenic chemicals and their mechanisms of action, we established in vitro and cell culture assays that detect human estrogen receptor [alpha] (hER[alpha])-mediated estrogenicity. First, we assayed chemicals to determine their ability to modulate direct interaction between the hER[alpha] and the steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and in a competition binding assay to displace 17ss-estradiol (E(2)). Second, we tested the chemicals for estrogen-associated transcriptional activity in the yeast estrogen screen and in the estrogen-responsive MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. The chemicals investigated in this study were o,p'-DDT (racemic mixture and enantiomers), nonylphenol mixture (NPm), and two poorly analyzed compounds in the environment, namely, tris-4-(chlorophenyl)methane (Tris-H) and tris-4-(chlorophenyl)methanol (Tris-OH). In both yeast and MCF-7 cells, we determined estrogenic activity via the estrogen receptor (ER) for o,p'-DDT, NPm, and for the very first time, Tris-H and Tris-OH. However, unlike estrogens, none of these xenobiotics seemed to be able to induce ER/SRC-1 interactions, most likely because the conformation of the activated receptor would not allow direct contacts with this coactivator. However, these compounds were able to inhibit [(3)H]-E(2) binding to hER, which reveals a direct interaction with the receptor. In conclusion, the test compounds are estrogen mimics, but their molecular mechanism of action appears to be different from that of the natural hormone as revealed by the receptor/coactivator interaction analysis.

Biochemical analysis of distinct activation functions in p300 that enhance transcription initiation with chromatin templates

To investigate the mechanisms of transcriptional enhancement by the p300 coactivator, we analyzed wild-type and mutant versions of p300 with a chromatin transcription system in vitro. Estrogen receptor, NF-kappaB p65 plus Sp1, and Gal4-VP16 were used as different sequence-specific activators. The CH3 domain (or E1A-binding region) was found to be essential for the function of each of the activators tested. The bromodomain was also observed to be generally important for p300 coactivator activity, though to a lesser extent than the CH3 domain/E1A-binding region. The acetyltransferase activity and the C-terminal region (containing the steroid receptor coactivator/p160-binding region and the glutamine-rich region) were each found to be important for activation by estrogen receptor but not for that by Gal4-VP16. The N-terminal region of p300, which had been previously found to interact with nuclear hormone receptors, was not seen to be required for any of the activators, including estrogen receptor. Single-round transcription experiments revealed that the functionally important subregions of p300 contribute to its ability to promote the assembly of transcription initiation complexes. In addition, the acetyltransferase activity of p300 was observed to be distinct from the broadly essential activation function of the CH3 domain/E1A-binding region. These results indicate that specific regions of p300 possess distinct activation functions that are differentially required to enhance the assembly of transcription initiation complexes. Interestingly, with the estrogen receptor, four distinct regions of p300 each have an essential role in the transcription activation process. These data exemplify a situation in which a network of multiple activation functions is required to achieve gene transcription.

Estrogen inducibility of c-Ha-ras transcription in breast cancer cells. Identification of functional estrogen-responsive transcriptional regulatory elements in exon 1/intron 1 of the c-Ha-ras gene

Although mutation of ras gene is rare in human breast cancer, overexpression of normal c-Ha-ras gene is frequently observed. Using a mouse mammary metastasis model consisting of genetically related mammary tumor sublines with variant metastatic potential, we have previously (i) demonstrated a direct correlation between c-Ha-ras mRNA and protein levels and metastatic potential and (ii) identified a novel hormone-responsive transcriptional regulatory element in intron 1 of the mouse c-Ha-ras gene that contains the consensus half-site of a glucocorticoid response element and flanking consensus half-sites for estrogen response element. Here, we have examined the functionality of intron 1 sequence in context of upstream sequences by using transient transfection assays with plasmids expressing chloramphenicol acetyltransferase. Intron 1 sequence and sequences similar to intron 1 element located in exon 1 function as transcriptional regulatory elements that confer hormonal inducibility to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene expression both independently and in context of 5'-flanking sequences. Measurement of c-Ha-ras transcription rates and protein expression by nuclear run-on and metabolic labeling assays showed a 5-12-fold enhancement, respectively, following treatment with 17beta-estradiol that was blunted by ICI 182,780 in the nonmetastatic variant. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of c-Ha-ras transcripts and protein in the metastatic subline was unaffected by estrogen and ICI 182,780. Gel shift assays demonstrated specific interaction of c-Ha-ras exon 1 sequence with nuclear proteins of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells with formation of two complexes, one of which contains estrogen receptor. Our data demonstrate a direct (i) interaction of c-Ha-ras sequence with estrogen receptor and (ii) stimulatory effect of estrogen on c-Ha-ras gene transcription and suggest that alteration in transcriptional regulation of c-Ha-ras gene by estrogen may play an important role in progression of breast cancer.

Underdeveloped uterus and reduced estrogen responsiveness in mice with disruption of the estrogen-responsive finger protein gene, which is a direct target of estrogen receptor alpha

The biological roles of estrogen-responsive finger protein (efp) in vivo were evaluated in mice carrying a loss-of-function mutation in efp by gene-targeted mutagenesis. Although efp homozygous mice were viable and fertile in both sexes, the uterus that expressed abundant estrogen receptor alpha exhibited significant underdevelopment. When the ovariectomized homozygotes were subjected to 17beta-estradiol treatment, they showed remarkably attenuated responses to estrogen, as exemplified by decreased interstitial water imbibition and retarded endometrial cell increase, at least, attributable to the lower ratio of G1 to S-phase progression in epithelial cells. These results suggest that efp is essential for the normal estrogen-induced cell proliferation and uterine swelling as one of the direct targets of estrogen receptor alpha.

Isolation of mouse TFIID and functional characterization of TBP and TFIID in mediating estrogen receptor and chromatin transcription

TFIID is a general transcription factor required for the assembly of the transcription machinery on most eukaryotic promoters transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Although the TATA-binding subunit (TBP) of TFIID is able to support core promoter and activator-dependent transcription under some circumstances, the roles of TBP-associated factors (TAF(II)s) in TFIID-mediated activation remain unclear. To define the evolutionarily conserved function of TFIID and to elucidate the roles of TAF(II)s in gene activation, we have cloned the mouse TAF(II)55 subunit of TFIID and further isolated mouse TFIID from a murine FM3A-derived cell line that constitutively expresses FLAG-tagged mouse TAF(II)55. Both mouse and human TFIIDs are capable of mediating transcriptional activation by Gal4 fusions containing different activation domains in a highly purified human cell-free transcription system devoid of TFIIA and Mediator. Although TAF(II)-independent activation by Gal4-VP16 can also be observed in this highly purified human transcription system with either mouse or yeast TBP, TAF(II)s are strictly required for estrogen receptor-mediated activation independently of the core promoter sequence. In addition, TAF(II)s are necessary for transcription from a preassembled chromatin template. These findings clearly demonstrate an essential role of TAF(II)s as a transcriptional coactivator for estrogen receptor and in chromatin transcription.

Localization of curved DNA and its association with nucleosome phasing in the promoter region of the human estrogen receptor alpha gene

We determined DNA bend sites in the promoter region of the human estrogen receptor (ER) gene by the circular permutation assay. A total of five sites (ERB-4 to -1, and ERB+1) mapped in the 3 kb region showed an average distance of 688 bp. Most of the sites were accompanied by short poly(dA) x poly(dT) tracts including the potential bend core sequence A2N8A2N8A2 (A/A/A). Fine mapping of the ERB-2 site indicated that this A/A/A and the 20 bp immediate flanking sequence containing one half of the estrogen response element were the sites of DNA curvature. All of the experimentally mapped bend sites corresponded to the positions of DNA curvature as well as to nucleosomes predicted by computer analysis. In vitro nucleosome mapping at ERB-2 revealed that the bend center was located 10-30 bp from the experimental and predicted nucleosome dyad axes.

Estrogen enhancement of anti-double-stranded DNA antibody and immunoglobulin G production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

To study the in vitro effect of estrogen on IgG anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody and total IgG production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in order to elucidate its regulatory role in SLE.

METHODS

PBMC from SLE patients and normal donors were cultured with 17beta-estradiol (E2). IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies, total IgG, and cytokine activity in the culture supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

E2 enhanced production of IgG anti-dsDNA antibodies as well as total IgG in PBMC from SLE patients. Anti-dsDNA production in patients with inactive disease was less responsive to E2 than that in patients with active disease. E2 also enhanced total IgG, but not anti-dsDNA, production in the PBMC of normal donors. Antibody production was increased by E2 to a lesser extent in patients' B cells than in their PBMC. Anti-interleukin-10 (anti-IL-10) antibodies partially blocked the E2-induced increase in antibody production in patients' PBMC, but anti-IL-10 had no effect on B cells. E2 increased IL-10 production by patients' monocytes. Exogenous IL-10 acted additively with E2 in increasing antibody production in patients' B cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that E2 may polyclonally increase the production of IgG, including IgG anti-dsDNA, in SLE patients' PBMC by enhancing B cell activity and by promoting IL-10 production in monocytes. These findings support the involvement of E2 in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Estrogen enhances immunoglobulin production by human PBMCs

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that estrogen may enhance humoral immune responses and may be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We studied the in vitro effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2 ) on spontaneous immunoglobulin production by human PBMCs.

METHODS

PBMCs from healthy human volunteers were cultured with E2. Levels of IgG and IgM and cytokine activity were measured by ELISA. Proliferation was determined by [3H]-thymidine uptake. The cell viability was assessed by a trypan blue exclusion test.

RESULTS

E2 enhanced IgG and IgM production of PBMCs both from men and women without altering cell viability and proliferation. The stimulatory effect of E2 was revealed at 10(-10) mol/L, increased in a dose-dependent fashion, and was maximized at 10(-8) mol/L. IgG production of PBMCs in the presence of E2 (10(-8) mol/L) was 220% of control cells, and that of IgM was 211%. Immunoglobulin production of E2 -treated B cells was slightly higher than that of control cells; IgG production was 161% of control cells, and that of IgM was 157%. Anti-IL-10 antibody partially blocked the E2 effect on immunoglobulin production of PBMCs; anti-IL-10 reduced IgG production in the presence of E2 from 206% to 154% of control cells, and that of IgM from 206% to 152%. E2 increased IL-10 production of monocytes up to 250% of control level, but it did not affect that of T cells or B cells. Exogenous IL-10 (1 U/mL) further enhanced E2 -induced increase of immunoglobulin production by B cells, although this level of IL-10 alone was ineffective for B cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that E2 may increase immunoglobulin production of human PBMCs mainly by increasing IL-10 production of monocytes. The results also support that E2 may act as an important stimulator for human humoral immunity.