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Pu Q, Gao H. The Role of the Tumor Microenvironment in Triple-Positive Breast Cancer Progression and Therapeutic Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5493. [PMID: 38001753 PMCID: PMC10670777 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BRCA) is a highly heterogeneous systemic disease. It is ranked first globally in the incidence of new cancer cases and has emerged as the primary cause of cancer-related death among females. Among the distinct subtypes of BRCA, triple-positive breast cancer (TPBC) has been associated with increased metastasis and invasiveness, exhibiting greater resistance to endocrine therapy involving trastuzumab. It is now understood that invasion, metastasis, and treatment resistance associated with BRCA progression are not exclusively due to breast tumor cells but are from the intricate interplay between BRCA and its tumor microenvironment (TME). Accordingly, understanding the pathogenesis and evolution of the TPBC microenvironment demands a comprehensive approach. Moreover, addressing BRCA treatment necessitates a holistic consideration of the TME, bearing significant implications for identifying novel targets for anticancer interventions. This review expounds on the relationship between critical cellular components and factors in the TPBC microenvironment and the inception, advancement, and therapeutic resistance of breast cancer to provide perspectives on the latest research on TPBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Pu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China;
- Oncology Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China
| | - Haidong Gao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China;
- Oncology Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266035, China
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2
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Hall KA, Filardo EJ. The G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER): A Critical Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2460. [PMID: 37887304 PMCID: PMC10605794 DOI: 10.3390/cells12202460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, with increasing concern regarding the overall rising incidence of disease and exposure to environmental estrogens. Estrogens, both endogenous and environmental, manifest their actions through intracellular and plasma membrane receptors, named ERα, ERβ, and GPER. Collectively, they act to promote a broad transcriptional response that is mediated through multiple regulatory enhancers, including estrogen response elements (EREs), serum response elements (SREs), and cyclic AMP response elements (CREs). Yet, the design and rational assignment of antiestrogen therapy for breast cancer has strictly relied upon an endogenous estrogen-ER binary rubric that does not account for environmental estrogens or GPER. New endocrine therapies have focused on the development of drugs that degrade ER via ER complex destabilization or direct enzymatic ubiquitination. However, these new approaches do not broadly treat all cancer-involved receptors, including GPER. The latter is concerning since GPER is directly associated with tumor size, distant metastases, cancer stem cell activity, and endocrine resistance, indicating the importance of targeting this receptor to achieve a more complete therapeutic response. This review focuses on the critical importance and value of GPER-targeted therapeutics as part of a more holistic approach to the treatment of estrogen-driven malignancies.
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3
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Li NS, Piccirilli JA, Greene GL. Reinvestigating the Synthesis and Characterization of Ethyl 3-[5-(2-Ethoxycarbonyl-1-methylvinyloxy)-1-methyl-1 H-indol-3-yl]-but-2-enoate. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:31941-31945. [PMID: 37692243 PMCID: PMC10483681 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
We reinvestigated the reported method for the synthesis of ethyl 3-[5-(2-ethoxycarbonyl-1-methylvinyloxy)-1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl]-but-2-enoate (MIBE), which was obtained by the reaction of 5-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-indole with excess ethyl acetoacetate catalyzed by indium(III) chloride. Based on the NMR and MS data, we assigned the structure of the isolated product as (3E)-3-(2-ethoxy-2-oxoethylidene)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-1,4-dimethylcyclopent[b]indole-1-acetate (2a) rather than the reported MIBE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan-Sheng Li
- Ben
May Department for Cancer Research, The
University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago Illinois 60637, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Joseph A. Piccirilli
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago Illinois 60637, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Geoffrey L. Greene
- Ben
May Department for Cancer Research, The
University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago Illinois 60637, United States
- Department
of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, The University of Chicago, 929 East 57th Street, Chicago Illinois 60637, United States
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4
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Prossnitz ER, Barton M. The G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor GPER in health and disease: an update. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2023:10.1038/s41574-023-00822-7. [PMID: 37193881 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00822-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Oestrogens and their receptors contribute broadly to physiology and diseases. In premenopausal women, endogenous oestrogens protect against cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases and are involved in hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. Oestrogens and oestrogen mimetics mediate their effects via the cytosolic and nuclear receptors oestrogen receptor-α (ERα) and oestrogen receptor-β (ERβ) and membrane subpopulations as well as the 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER). GPER, which dates back more than 450 million years in evolution, mediates both rapid signalling and transcriptional regulation. Oestrogen mimetics (such as phytooestrogens and xenooestrogens including endocrine disruptors) and licensed drugs such as selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) and downregulators (SERDs) also modulate oestrogen receptor activity in both health and disease. Following up on our previous Review of 2011, we herein summarize the progress made in the field of GPER research over the past decade. We will review molecular, cellular and pharmacological aspects of GPER signalling and function, its contribution to physiology, health and disease, and the potential of GPER to serve as a therapeutic target and prognostic indicator of numerous diseases. We also discuss the first clinical trial evaluating a GPER-selective drug and the opportunity of repurposing licensed drugs for the targeting of GPER in clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Prossnitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland.
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5
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An unexpected reaction of indole derivatives and EAA catalyzed with InCl3. MOLECULAR CATALYSIS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcat.2023.113065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
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6
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Dhankhar S, Chauhan S, Mehta DK, Saini K, Saini M, Das R, Gupta S, Gautam V. Novel targets for potential therapeutic use in Diabetes mellitus. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2023; 15:17. [PMID: 36782201 PMCID: PMC9926720 DOI: 10.1186/s13098-023-00983-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Future targets are a promising prospect to overcome the limitation of conventional and current approaches by providing secure and effective treatment without compromising patient compliance. Diabetes mellitus is a fast-growing problem that has been raised worldwide, from 4% to 6.4% (around 285 million people) in past 30 years. This number may increase to 430 million people in the coming years if there is no better treatment or cure is available. Ageing, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are the key reasons for the worsening of this disease. It always had been a vital challenge, to explore new treatment which could safely and effectively manage diabetes mellitus without compromising patient compliance. Researchers are regularly trying to find out the permanent treatment of this chronic and life threatening disease. In this journey, there are various treatments available in market to manage diabetes mellitus such as insulin, GLP-1 agonist, biguanides, sulphonyl ureas, glinides, thiazolidinediones targeting the receptors which are discovered decade before. PPAR, GIP, FFA1, melatonin are the recent targets that already in the focus for developing new therapies in the treatment of diabetes. Inspite of numerous preclinical studies very few clinical data available due to which this process is in its initial phase. The review also focuses on the receptors like GPCR 119, GPER, Vaspin, Metrnl, Fetuin-A that have role in insulin regulation and have potential to become future targets in treatment for diabetes that may be effective and safer as compared to the conventional and current treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchit Dhankhar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Samrat Chauhan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Kamal Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Monika Saini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Rina Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed To Be University), Mullana, Ambala, 133207, Haryana, India.
| | - Vinod Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IES Institute of Pharmacy, IES University, Bhopal, India
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7
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Muhammad A, Forcados GE, Yusuf AP, Abubakar MB, Sadiq IZ, Elhussin I, Siddique MAT, Aminu S, Suleiman RB, Abubakar YS, Katsayal BS, Yates CC, Mahavadi S. Comparative G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) Systems in Diabetic and Cancer Conditions: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248943. [PMID: 36558071 PMCID: PMC9786783 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For many patients, diabetes Mellitus and Malignancy are frequently encountered comorbidities. Diabetes affects approximately 10.5% of the global population, while malignancy accounts for 29.4 million cases each year. These troubling statistics indicate that current treatment approaches for these diseases are insufficient. Alternative therapeutic strategies that consider unique signaling pathways in diabetic and malignancy patients could provide improved therapeutic outcomes. The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is receiving attention for its role in disease pathogenesis and treatment outcomes. This review aims to critically examine GPER' s comparative role in diabetes mellitus and malignancy, identify research gaps that need to be filled, and highlight GPER's potential as a therapeutic target for diabetes and malignancy management. There is a scarcity of data on GPER expression patterns in diabetic models; however, for diabetes mellitus, altered expression of transport and signaling proteins has been linked to GPER signaling. In contrast, GPER expression in various malignancy types appears to be complex and debatable at the moment. Current data show inconclusive patterns of GPER expression in various malignancies, with some indicating upregulation and others demonstrating downregulation. Further research should be conducted to investigate GPER expression patterns and their relationship with signaling pathways in diabetes mellitus and various malignancies. We conclude that GPER has therapeutic potential for chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliyu Muhammad
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | | | - Abdurrahman Pharmacy Yusuf
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna P.M.B. 65, Nigeria
| | - Murtala Bello Abubakar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B. 2254, Nigeria
- Centre for Advanced Medical Research & Training (CAMRET), Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B. 2254, Nigeria
| | - Idris Zubairu Sadiq
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Isra Elhussin
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Md Abu Talha Siddique
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Suleiman Aminu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Rabiatu Bako Suleiman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Yakubu Saddeeq Abubakar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Babangida Sanusi Katsayal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria P.M.B. 1044, Nigeria
| | - Clayton C Yates
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
| | - Sunila Mahavadi
- Center for Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088, USA
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8
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Khan MZI, Uzair M, Nazli A, Chen JZ. An overview on Estrogen receptors signaling and its ligands in breast cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 241:114658. [PMID: 35964426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen governs the regulations of various pathological and physiological actions throughout the body in both males and females. Generally, 17β-estradiol an endogenous estrogen is responsible for different health problems in pre and postmenopausal women. The major activities of endogenous estrogen are executed by nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) ERα and ERβ while non-genomic cytoplasmic pathways also govern cell growth and apoptosis. Estrogen accomplished a fundamental role in the formation and progression of breast cancer. In this review, we have hyphenated different studies regarding ERs and a thorough and detailed study of estrogen receptors is presented. This review highlights different aspects of estrogens ranging from receptor types, their isoforms, structures, signaling pathways of ERα, ERβ and GPER along with their crystal structures, pathological roles of ER, ER ligands, and therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Uzair
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Adila Nazli
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Jian-Zhong Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
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9
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Single-cell immunoblotting resolves estrogen receptor-α isoforms in breast cancer. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0254783. [PMID: 34314438 PMCID: PMC8315538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0254783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An array of isoforms of the nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) protein contribute to heterogeneous response in breast cancer (BCa); yet, a single-cell analysis tool that distinguishes the full-length ER-α66 protein from the activation function-1 deficient ER-α46 isoform has not been reported. Specific detection of protein isoforms is a gap in single-cell analysis tools, as the de facto standard immunoassay requires isoform-specific antibody probes. Consequently, to scrutinize hormone response heterogeneity among BCa tumor cells, we develop a precision tool to specifically measure ER-α66, ER- α46, and eight ER-signaling proteins with single-cell resolution in the highly hetero-clonal MCF-7 BCa cell line. With a literature-validated pan-ER immunoprobe, we distinguish ER-α66 from ER-α46 in each individual cell. We identify ER-α46 in 5.5% of hormone-sensitive (MCF-7) and 4.2% of hormone-insensitive (MDA-MB-231) BCa cell lines. To examine whether the single-cell immunoblotting can capture cellular responses to hormones, we treat cells with tamoxifen and identify different sub-populations of ER-α46: (i) ER-α46 induces phospho-AKT at Ser473, (ii) S6-ribosomal protein, an upstream ER target, activates both ER-α66 and ER-α46 in MCF-7 cells, and (iii) ER-α46 partitions MDA-MB-231 subpopulations, which are responsive to tamoxifen. Unlike other single-cell immunoassays, multiplexed single-cell immunoblotting reports–in the same cell–tamoxifen effects on ER signaling proteins and on distinct isoforms of the ER-α protein.
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10
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Dinh QN, Vinh A, Arumugam TV, Drummond GR, Sobey CG. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1: a novel target to treat cardiovascular disease in a sex-specific manner? Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3849-3863. [PMID: 33948934 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an agonist of the classical nuclear receptors, estrogen receptor-α and -β (NR3A1/2), estrogen has been assumed to inhibit the development of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women. Indeed, reduced levels of estrogen after menopause are believed to contribute to accelerated morbidity and mortality rates in women. However, estrogen replacement therapy has variable effects on cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women, including increased serious adverse events. Interestingly, preclinical studies have shown that selective activation of the novel membrane-associated G protein-coupled estrogen receptor, GPER, can promote cardiovascular protection. These benefits are more evident in ovariectomised than intact females or in males. It is therefore possible that selective targeting of the GPER in postmenopausal women could provide cardiovascular protection with fewer adverse effects that are caused by conventional 'receptor non-specific' estrogen replacement therapy. This review describes new data regarding the merits of targeting GPER to treat cardiovascular disease with a focus on sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh Nhu Dinh
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology and Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antony Vinh
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology and Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thiruma V Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology and Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant R Drummond
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology and Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher G Sobey
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology and Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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11
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Pepermans RA, Sharma G, Prossnitz ER. G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in Cancer and Stromal Cells: Functions and Novel Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030672. [PMID: 33802978 PMCID: PMC8002620 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen is involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological systems. Its role in driving estrogen receptor-expressing breast cancers is well established, but it also has important roles in a number of other cancers, acting both on tumor cells directly as well as in the function of multiple cells of the tumor microenvironment, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and adipocytes, which can greatly impact carcinogenesis. One of its receptors, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), has gained much interest over the last decade in both health and disease. Increasing evidence shows that GPER contributes to clinically observed endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer while also playing a complex role in a number of other cancers. Recent discoveries regarding the targeting of GPER in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition, particularly in melanoma, have led to the initiation of the first Phase I clinical trial for the GPER-selective agonist G-1. Furthermore, its functions in metabolism and corresponding pathophysiological states, such as obesity and diabetes, are becoming more evident and suggest additional therapeutic value in targeting GPER for both cancer and other diseases. Here, we highlight the roles of GPER in several cancers, as well as in metabolism and immune regulation, and discuss the therapeutic value of targeting this estrogen receptor as a potential treatment for cancer as well as contributing metabolic and inflammatory diseases and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Pepermans
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (R.A.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Geetanjali Sharma
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (R.A.P.); (G.S.)
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Eric R. Prossnitz
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA; (R.A.P.); (G.S.)
- Center of Biomedical Research Excellence in Autophagy, Inflammation and Metabolism, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-505-272-5647
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12
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GPER1 and microRNA: Two Players in Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010098. [PMID: 33374170 PMCID: PMC7795792 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. However, the molecular pathogenesis of breast cancer remains poorly defined due to its heterogeneity. Several studies have reported that G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER1) plays a crucial role in breast cancer progression, by binding to estrogens or synthetic agonists, like G-1, thus modulating genes involved in diverse biological events, such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and metastasis. In addition, it has been established that the dysregulation of short sequences of non-coding RNA, named microRNAs (miRNAs), is involved in various pathophysiological conditions, including breast cancer. Recent evidence has indicated that estrogens may regulate miRNA expression and therefore modulate the levels of their target genes, not only through the classical estrogen receptors (ERs), but also activating GPER1 signalling, hence suggesting an alternative molecular pathway involved in breast tumor progression. Here, the current knowledge about GPER1 and miRNA action in breast cancer is recapitulated, reporting recent evidence on the liaison of these two players in triggering breast tumorogenic effects. Elucidating the role of GPER1 and miRNAs in breast cancer might provide new tools for innovative approaches in anti-cancer therapy.
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13
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Ceramella J, Iacopetta D, Barbarossa A, Caruso A, Grande F, Bonomo MG, Mariconda A, Longo P, Carmela S, Sinicropi MS. Carbazole Derivatives as Kinase-Targeting Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment. Mini Rev Med Chem 2020; 20:444-465. [PMID: 31951166 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200117144701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Protein Kinases (PKs) are a heterogeneous family of enzymes that modulate several biological pathways, including cell division, cytoskeletal rearrangement, differentiation and apoptosis. In particular, due to their crucial role during human tumorigenesis and cancer progression, PKs are ideal targets for the design and development of effective and low toxic chemotherapeutics and represent the second group of drug targets after G-protein-coupled receptors. Nowadays, several compounds have been claimed to be PKs inhibitors, and some of them, such as imatinib, erlotinib and gefitinib, have already been approved for clinical use, whereas more than 30 others are in various phases of clinical trials. Among them, some natural or synthetic carbazole-based molecules represent promising PKs inhibitors due to their capability to interfere with PK activity by different mechanisms of action including the ability to act as DNA intercalating agents, interfere with the activity of enzymes involved in DNA duplication, such as topoisomerases and telomerases, and inhibit other proteins such as cyclindependent kinases or antagonize estrogen receptors. Thus, carbazoles can be considered a promising this class of compounds to be adopted in targeted therapy of different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Alexia Barbarossa
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Anna Caruso
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
| | | | | | - Pasquale Longo
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Saturnino Carmela
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, (CS), Italy
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14
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Rouhimoghadam M, Lu AS, Salem AK, Filardo EJ. Therapeutic Perspectives on the Modulation of G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor, GPER, Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:591217. [PMID: 33329395 PMCID: PMC7719807 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.591217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens exert their physiological and pathophysiological effects via cellular receptors, named ERα, ERβ, and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Estrogen-regulated physiology is tightly controlled by factors that regulate estrogen bioavailability and receptor sensitivity, while disruption of these control mechanisms can result in loss of reproductive function, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease, obesity, insulin resistance, endometriosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Restoration of estrogen physiology by modulating estrogen bioavailability or receptor activity is an effective approach for treating these pathological conditions. Therapeutic interventions that block estrogen action are employed effectively for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer as well as for precocious puberty and anovulatory infertility. Theoretically, treatments that block estrogen biosynthesis should prevent estrogen action at ERs and GPER, although drug resistance and ligand-independent receptor activation may still occur. In addition, blockade of estrogen biosynthesis does not prevent activation of estrogen receptors by naturally occurring or man-made exogenous estrogens. A more complicated scenario is provided by anti-estrogen drugs that antagonize ERs since these drugs function as GPER agonists. Based upon its association with metabolic dysregulation and advanced cancer, GPER represents a therapeutic target with promise for the treatment of several critical health concerns facing Western society. Selective ligands that specifically target GPER have been developed and may soon serve as pharmacological agents for treating human disease. Here, we review current forms of estrogen therapy and the implications that GPER holds for these therapies. We also discuss existing GPER targeted drugs, additional approaches towards developing GPER-targeted therapies and how these therapies may complement existing modalities of estrogen-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Rouhimoghadam
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Anh S. Lu
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Aliasger K. Salem
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Edward J. Filardo
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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15
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Khan SU, Ahemad N, Chuah LH, Naidu R, Htar TT. G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1: homology modeling approaches and application in screening new GPER-1 modulators. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:3325-3335. [PMID: 33164654 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1844059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to the largest family of protein targets comprising over 800 members in which at least 500 members are the therapeutic targets. Among the GPCRs, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) has shown to have the ability in estrogen signaling. As GPER-1 plays a critical role in several physiological responses, GPER-1 has been considered as a potential therapeutic target to treat estrogen-based cancers and other non-communicable diseases. However, the progress in the understanding of GPER-1 structure and function is relatively slow due to the availability of a only a few selective GPER-1 modulators. As with many GPCRs, the X-ray crystal structure of GPER-1 is yet to be resolved and thus has led the researchers to search for new GPER-1 modulators using homology models of GPER-1. In this review, we aim to summarize various approaches used in the generation of GPER-1 homology model and their applications that have resulted in new GPER-1 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafi Ullah Khan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nafees Ahemad
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lay-Hong Chuah
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.,Advanced Engineering Platform, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Thet Thet Htar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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16
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See I, Ee GCL, Jong VYM, Teh SS, Acuña CLC, Mah SH. Cytotoxic activity of phytochemicals from Garcinia mangostana L. and G. benthamiana (Planch. & Triana) Pipoly against breast cancer cells. Nat Prod Res 2020; 35:6184-6189. [PMID: 33094642 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2020.1836629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Four xanthones, α-mangostin (1), β-mangostin (2), mangostenol (3), mangaxanthone B (4), three benzophenones, mangaphenone (5), benthamianone (6), congestiflorone (7) and one sterol, stigmasterol (8) were isolated from the stem barks of Garcinia mangostana L. and G. benthamiana (Planch. & Triana) Pipoly. Compounds 1, 2, 4 and 5 exhibited significant cytotoxicity through MTT assay towards MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells with the IC50 values range from 4.4 to 12.0 µM. Remarkably, mangaphenone (5) showed non-cytotoxicity against normal Vero cells, revealing its potential as lead compound for anti-breast cancer drug. Structure-activity relationship postulated that the prenyl and hydroxyl groups present in xanthones are important in promoting anti-proliferative effects. Molecular docking simulation study of 1, 2, 4 and 5 with 2OCF and 4PIV implied that the induction of apoptosis for both cancer cells involve ER and FAS signaling pathways. Future study on the lead optimization of 5 is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene See
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Gwendoline Cheng Lian Ee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vivien Yi Mian Jong
- Centre of Applied Science Studies, Universiti Technology MARA, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Soek Sin Teh
- Energy and Environment, Engineering & Processing Division, Malaysia Palm Oil Board, Bangi Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Carlos L Céspedes Acuña
- Phytochemical Ecology Lab, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Sciences, Basic Sciences Department, University of Bio Bio, Chillan, Chile
| | - Siau Hui Mah
- School of Biosciences, Taylor's University, Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.,Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Lakeside Campus, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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17
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Lappano R, Talia M, Cirillo F, Rigiracciolo DC, Scordamaglia D, Guzzi R, Miglietta AM, De Francesco EM, Belfiore A, Sims AH, Maggiolini M. The IL1β-IL1R signaling is involved in the stimulatory effects triggered by hypoxia in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:153. [PMID: 32778144 PMCID: PMC7418191 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01667-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Hypoxia plays a relevant role in tumor-related inflammation toward the metastatic spread and cancer aggressiveness. The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-β) and its cognate receptor IL1R1 contribute to the initiation and progression of breast cancer determining pro-tumorigenic inflammatory responses. The transcriptional target of the hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) namely the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) mediates a feedforward loop coupling IL-1β induction by breast cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to IL1R1 expression by breast cancer cells toward the regulation of target genes and relevant biological responses. Methods In order to ascertain the correlation of IL-β with HIF-1α and further hypoxia-related genes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients, a bioinformatics analysis was performed using the information provided by The Invasive Breast Cancer Cohort of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) datasets. Gene expression correlation, statistical analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were carried out with R studio packages. Pathway enrichment analysis was evaluated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. TNBC cells and primary CAFs were used as model system. The molecular mechanisms implicated in the regulation of IL-1β by hypoxia toward a metastatic gene expression profile and invasive properties were assessed performing gene and protein expression studies, PCR arrays, gene silencing and immunofluorescence analysis, co-immunoprecipitation and ChiP assays, ELISA, cell spreading, invasion and spheroid formation. Results We first determined that IL-1β expression correlates with the levels of HIF-1α as well as with a hypoxia-related gene signature in TNBC patients. Next, we demonstrated that hypoxia triggers a functional liaison among HIF-1α, GPER and the IL-1β/IL1R1 signaling toward a metastatic gene signature and a feed-forward loop of IL-1β that leads to proliferative and invasive responses in TNBC cells. Furthermore, we found that the IL-1β released in the conditioned medium of TNBC cells exposed to hypoxic conditions promotes an invasive phenotype of CAFs. Conclusions Our data shed new light on the role of hypoxia in the activation of the IL-1β/IL1R1 signaling, which in turn triggers aggressive features in both TNBC cells and CAFs. Hence, our findings provide novel evidence regarding the mechanisms through which the hypoxic tumor microenvironment may contribute to breast cancer progression and suggest further targets useful in more comprehensive therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Domenica Scordamaglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Rita Guzzi
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Ernestina Marianna De Francesco
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrew H Sims
- MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.
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18
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Grande F, Occhiuzzi MA, Lappano R, Cirillo F, Guzzi R, Garofalo A, Jacquot Y, Maggiolini M, Rizzuti B. Computational Approaches for the Discovery of GPER Targeting Compounds. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:517. [PMID: 32849301 PMCID: PMC7417359 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens exert a panel of biological activities mainly through the estrogen receptors α and β, which belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Diverse studies have shown that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER, previously known as GPR30) also mediates the multifaceted effects of estrogens in numerous pathophysiological events, including neurodegenerative, immune, metabolic, and cardiovascular disorders and the progression of different types of cancer. In particular, GPER is implicated in hormone-sensitive tumors, albeit diverse issues remain to be deeply investigated. As such, this receptor may represent an appealing target for therapeutics in different diseases. The yet unavailable complete GPER crystallographic structure, and its relatively low sequence similarity with the other members of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, hamper the possibility to discover compounds able to modulate GPER activity. Consequently, a reliable molecular model of this receptor is required for the design of suitable ligands. To date, convergent approaches involving structure-based drug design and virtual ligand screening have led to the identification of several GPER selective ligands, thus providing important information regarding its mode of action and function. In this survey, we summarize results obtained through computer-aided techniques devoted to the assessment of GPER ligands toward their usefulness in innovative treatments of different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria A. Occhiuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rita Guzzi
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonio Garofalo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Yves Jacquot
- Cibles Thérapeutiques et Conception de Médicaments (CiTCoM), CNRS UMR 8038, INSERM U1268, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF.Cal, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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19
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DeLeon C, Wang HH, Gunn J, Wilhelm M, Cole A, Arnett S, Wang DQH, Arnatt CK. A novel GPER antagonist protects against the formation of estrogen-induced cholesterol gallstones in female mice. J Lipid Res 2020; 61:767-777. [PMID: 32127396 PMCID: PMC7193967 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra119000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Many clinical studies and epidemiological investigations have clearly demonstrated that women are twice as likely to develop cholesterol gallstones as men, and oral contraceptives and other estrogen therapies dramatically increase that risk. Further, animal studies have revealed that estrogen promotes cholesterol gallstone formation through the estrogen receptor (ER) α, but not ERβ, pathway. More importantly, some genetic and pathophysiological studies have found that G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) 1 is a new gallstone gene, Lith18, on chromosome 5 in mice and produces additional lithogenic actions, working independently of ERα, to markedly increase cholelithogenesis in female mice. Based on computational modeling of GPER, a novel series of GPER-selective antagonists were designed, synthesized, and subsequently assessed for their therapeutic effects via calcium mobilization, cAMP, and ERα and ERβ fluorescence polarization binding assays. From this series of compounds, one new compound, 2-cyclohexyl-4-isopropyl-N-(4-methoxybenzyl)aniline (CIMBA), exhibits superior antagonism and selectivity exclusively for GPER. Furthermore, CIMBA reduces the formation of 17β-estradiol-induced gallstones in a dose-dependent manner in ovariectomized mice fed a lithogenic diet for 8 weeks. At 32 μg/day/kg CIMBA, no gallstones are found, even in ovariectomized ERα (-/-) mice treated with 6 μg/day 17β-estradiol and fed the lithogenic diet for 8 weeks. In conclusion, CIMBA treatment protects against the formation of estrogen-induced cholesterol gallstones by inhibiting the GPER signaling pathway in female mice. CIMBA may thus be a new agent for effectively treating cholesterol gallstone disease in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea DeLeon
- Department of ChemistrySaint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Helen H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
| | - Joseph Gunn
- Department of ChemistrySaint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - McKenna Wilhelm
- Department of ChemistrySaint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Aidan Cole
- Department of ChemistrySaint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Stacy Arnett
- Center for World Health and Medicine,Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - David Q-H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz H. Kohnke
- Department CHIBIOFARAM; University of Messina; Viale F. Stagno d'Alcontres 31 98166 Messina Italy
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21
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Zacarías-Lara OJ, Méndez-Luna D, Martínez-Ruíz G, García-Sanchéz JR, Fragoso-Vázquez MJ, Bello M, Becerra-Martínez E, García-Vázquez JB, Correa-Basurto J. Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Tetrahydroquinoline Derivatives as Antiproliferative Compounds of Breast Cancer via Targeting the GPER. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 19:760-771. [PMID: 30451119 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666181119094144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some reports have demonstrated the role of the G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor (GPER) in growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. OBJECTIVE In an effort to develop new therapeutic strategies against breast cancer, we employed an in silico study to explore the binding modes of tetrahydroquinoline 2 and 4 to be compared with the reported ligands G1 and G1PABA. METHODS This study aimed to design and filter ligands by in silico studies determining their Lipinski's rule, toxicity and binding properties with GPER to achieve experimental assays as anti-proliferative compounds of breast cancer cell lines. RESULTS In silico studies suggest as promissory two tetrahydroquinoline 2 and 4 which contain a carboxyl group instead of the acetyl group (as is needed for G1 synthesis), which add low (2) and high hindrance (4) chemical moieties to explore the polar, hydrophobic and hindrance effects. Docking and molecular dynamics simulations of the target compounds were performed with GPER to explore their binding mode and free energy values. In addition, the target small molecules were synthesized and assayed in vitro using breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Experimental assays showed that compound 2 decreased cell proliferation, showing IC50 values of 50µM and 25µM after 72h of treatment of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. Importantly, compound 2 showed a similar inhibitory effect on proliferation as G1 compound in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting that both ligands reach the GPER-binding site in a similar way, as was demonstrated through in silico studies. CONCLUSION A concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation occurred with compound 2 in the two cell lines regardless of GPER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Zacarías-Lara
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovacion Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
| | - David Méndez-Luna
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovacion Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Martínez-Ruíz
- Unidad de Investigacion en Enfermedades Oncologicas, Hospital Infantil de Mexico, Federico Gomez, Mexico
| | - José R García-Sanchéz
- Laboratorio de Oncologia Molecular y Estres Oxidativo, Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Manuel J Fragoso-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovacion Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias, Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, México, CDMX., 11340 México
| | - Martiniano Bello
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovacion Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Elvia Becerra-Martínez
- Laboratorio de RMN, Centro de Nanociencias y Micro y Nanotecnologias, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Calle Luis Enrique Erro s/n, Unidad Profesional Adolfo Lopez Mateos, Gustavo A, Madero, 07738 Mexico, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Juan B García-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovacion Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovacion Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Diaz Miron, 11340 Mexico, CDMX, Mexico
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22
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DeLeon C, Wang DQH, Arnatt CK. G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor, GPER1, Offers a Novel Target for the Treatment of Digestive Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:578536. [PMID: 33281743 PMCID: PMC7689683 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.578536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are gender differences between men and women in many physiological functions and diseases, which indicates that female sex hormones may be important. Traditionally, estrogen exerts its biological activities by activating two classical nuclear estrogen receptors, ESR1 and ESR2. However, the roles of estrogen in the regulation of physiological functions and the pathogenesis of diseases become more complicated with the identification of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER1). Although many GPER1-specific ligands have been developed, the therapeutic mechanisms of exclusively targeting GPER1 are not yet well understood. Translational applications and clinical trial efforts for the identified GPER1 ligands have been focused primarily on the reproductive, cardiovascular, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. More recently, research found that GPER1 may play an important role in regulating the digestive system. Cholesterol gallstone disease, a major biliary disease, has a higher prevalence in women than in men worldwide. Emerging evidence implies that GPER1 could play an important role, independent of the classical ESR1, in the pathophysiology of cholesterol gallstones in women. This review discusses the complex signaling pathways of three estrogen receptors, highlights the development of GPER1-specific ligands, and summarizes the latest advances in the role of GPER1 in the pathogenesis of gallstone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea DeLeon
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Christopher K. Arnatt
- Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Christopher K. Arnatt,
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23
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Luo J, Liu D. Does GPER Really Function as a G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor in vivo? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:148. [PMID: 32296387 PMCID: PMC7137379 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen can elicit pleiotropic cellular responses via a diversity of estrogen receptors (ERs)-mediated genomic and rapid non-genomic mechanisms. Unlike the genomic responses, where the classical nuclear ERα and ERβ act as transcriptional factors following estrogen binding to regulate gene transcription in estrogen target tissues, the non-genomic cellular responses to estrogen are believed to start at the plasma membrane, leading to rapid activation of second messengers-triggered cytoplasmic signal transduction cascades. The recently acknowledged ER, GPR30 or GPER, was discovered in human breast cancer cells two decades ago and subsequently in many other cells. Since its discovery, it has been claimed that estrogen, ER antagonist fulvestrant, as well as some estrogenic compounds can directly bind to GPER, and therefore initiate the non-genomic cellular responses. Various recently developed genetic tools as well as chemical ligands greatly facilitated research aimed at determining the physiological roles of GPER in different tissues. However, there is still lack of evidence that GPER plays a significant role in mediating endogenous estrogen action in vivo. This review summarizes current knowledge about GPER, including its tissue expression and cellular localization, with emphasis on the research findings elucidating its role in health and disease. Understanding the role of GPER in estrogen signaling will provide opportunities for the development of new therapeutic strategies to strengthen the benefits of estrogen while limiting the potential side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Luo
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Dongmin Liu
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24
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Pepermans RA, Prossnitz ER. ERα-targeted endocrine therapy, resistance and the role of GPER. Steroids 2019; 152:108493. [PMID: 31518595 PMCID: PMC6859199 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2019.108493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is an effective option for the treatment of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-positive breast cancers. Unfortunately, a large fraction of women relapse with endocrine-resistant tumors. The presence of constitutively active ERα mutants, found in a subset of relapse tumors, is thought to be an important endocrine resistance mechanism and has prompted the search for more effective anti-hormone drugs that can effectively inhibit these mutant versions of the receptor. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is also thought to contribute to the development of endocrine resistance, in part, due to its activation by clinically used selective estrogen receptor modulators and downregulators (SERMs/SERDs). Therefore, next-generation drugs should be screened for potential activity towards GPER. Here, we highlight the need for truly ERα-selective SERMs and SERDs that do not cross-react with GPER for the treatment of ERα-positive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Pepermans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States
| | - Eric R Prossnitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States.
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25
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Cirillo F, Lappano R, Bruno L, Rizzuti B, Grande F, Guzzi R, Briguori S, Miglietta AM, Nakajima M, Di Martino MT, Maggiolini M. AHR and GPER mediate the stimulatory effects induced by 3-methylcholanthrene in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:335. [PMID: 31370872 PMCID: PMC6676524 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1337-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chemical carcinogen 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) that regulates the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes as CYP1B1, which is involved in the oncogenic activation of environmental pollutants as well as in the estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism. 3MC was shown to induce estrogenic responses binding to the estrogen receptor (ER) α and stimulating a functional interaction between AHR and ERα. Recently, the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) has been reported to mediate certain biological responses induced by endogenous estrogens and environmental compounds eliciting an estrogen-like activity. METHODS Molecular dynamics and docking simulations were performed to evaluate the potential of 3MC to interact with GPER. SkBr3 breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) derived from breast tumor patients were used as model system. Real-time PCR and western blotting analysis were performed in order to evaluate the activation of transduction mediators as well as the mRNA and protein levels of CYP1B1 and cyclin D1. Co-immunoprecipitation studies were performed in order to explore the potential of 3MC to trigger the association of GPER with AHR and EGFR. Luciferase assays were carried out to determine the activity of CYP1B1 promoter deletion constructs upon 3MC exposure, while the nuclear shuttle of AHR induced by 3MC was assessed through confocal microscopy. Cell proliferation stimulated by 3MC was determined as biological counterpart of the aforementioned experimental assays. The statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. RESULTS We first ascertained by docking simulations the ability of 3MC to interact with GPER. Thereafter, we established that 3MC activates the EGFR/ERK/c-Fos transduction signaling through both AHR and GPER in SkBr3 cells and CAFs. Then, we found that these receptors are involved in the up-regulation of CYP1B1 and cyclin D1 as well as in the stimulation of growth responses induced by 3MC. CONCLUSIONS In the present study we have provided novel insights regarding the molecular mechanisms by which 3MC may trigger a physical and functional interaction between AHR and GPER, leading to the stimulation of both SkBr3 breast cancer cells and CAFs. Altogether, our results indicate that 3MC may engage both GPER and AHR transduction pathways toward breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Cosenza, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Cosenza, Rende, Italy
| | - Leonardo Bruno
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Bruno Rizzuti
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF. Cal and Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Fedora Grande
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Cosenza, Rende, Italy
| | - Rita Guzzi
- CNR-NANOTEC, Licryl-UOS Cosenza and CEMIF. Cal and Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy.,Molecular Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Calabria, 87036, Rende, Italy
| | - Sara Briguori
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Cosenza, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Miki Nakajima
- Drug Metabolism and Toxicology, WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036, Cosenza, Rende, Italy.
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26
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Martínez-Muñoz A, Prestegui-Martel B, Méndez-Luna D, Fragoso-Vázquez MJ, García-Sánchez JR, Bello M, Martínez-Archundia M, Chávez-Blanco A, Dueñas-González A, Mendoza-Lujambio I, Trujillo-Ferrara J, Correa-Basurto J. Selection of a GPER1 Ligand via Ligand-based Virtual Screening Coupled to Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Its Anti-proliferative Effects on Breast Cancer Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2019; 18:1629-1638. [PMID: 29745344 DOI: 10.2174/1871520618666180510121431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent reports have demonstrated the role of the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER1) on the proliferation of breast cancer. The coupling of GPER1 to estrogen triggers cellular signaling pathways related to cell proliferation. OBJECTIVE Develop new therapeutic strategies against breast cancer. METHOD We performed in silico studies to explore the binding mechanism of a set of G15 /G1 analogue compounds. We included a carboxyl group instead of the acetyl group from G1 to form amides with several moieties to increase affinity on GPER1. The designed ligands were submitted to ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening to get insights into the binding mechanism of the best designed compound and phenol red on GPER1. RESULTS According to the in silico studies, the best molecule was named G1-PABA ((3aS,4R,9bR)-4-(6- bromobenzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinoline-8-carboxylic acid). It was synthesized and assayed in vitro in breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and normal (MCF-10A) cell lines. Experimental studies showed that the target compound was able to decrease cell proliferation, IC50 values of 15.93 µM, 52.92 µM and 32.45 µM in the MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A cell lines, respectively, after 72 h of treatment. The compound showed better IC50 values without phenol red, suggesting that phenol red interfere with the G1-PABA action at GPER1, as observed through in silico studies, which is present in MCF-7 cells according to PCR studies and explains the cell proliferation effects. CONCLUSION Concentration-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation occurred with G1-PABA in the assayed cell lines and could be due to its action on GPER1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Martínez-Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Berenice Prestegui-Martel
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - David Méndez-Luna
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Manuel J Fragoso-Vázquez
- Departamento de Quimica Organica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias, Biologicas, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Prolongacion de Carpio y Plan de Ayala, 11340, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Rubén García-Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Oncologia Molecular y estres oxidativo, Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Martiniano Bello
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Marlet Martínez-Archundia
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Alma Chávez-Blanco
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Ciudad de Mexico, Tlalpan 14080, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Dueñas-González
- Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cancer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas UNAM/Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Irene Mendoza-Lujambio
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Trujillo-Ferrara
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de Diseno y Desarrollo de Nuevos Farmacos e Innovación Biotecnologica (Laboratory for the Design and Development of New Drugs and Biotechnological Innovation), Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politecnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Miron, 11340 Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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27
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Santolla MF, Vivacqua A, Lappano R, Rigiracciolo DC, Cirillo F, Galli GR, Talia M, Brunetti G, Miglietta AM, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M. GPER Mediates a Feedforward FGF2/FGFR1 Paracrine Activation Coupling CAFs to Cancer Cells toward Breast Tumor Progression. Cells 2019; 8:cells8030223. [PMID: 30866584 PMCID: PMC6468560 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The FGF2/FGFR1 paracrine loop is involved in the cross-talk between breast cancer cells and components of the tumor stroma as cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). By quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot, immunofluorescence analysis, ELISA and ChIP assays, we demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2) and the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) agonist G-1 induce the up-regulation and secretion of FGF2 via GPER together with the EGFR/ERK/c-fos/AP-1 signaling cascade in (ER)-negative primary CAFs. Evaluating the genetic alterations from METABRIC and TCGA datasets, we then assessed that FGFR1 is the most frequently amplified FGFRs family member and its amplification/expression associates with shorter survival rates in breast cancer patients. Therefore, in order to assess the functional FGF2/FGFR1 interplay between CAFs and breast cancer cells, we generated the FGFR1-knockout MDA-MB-231 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing strategy. Using conditioned medium from estrogen-stimulated CAFs, we established that the activation of FGF2/FGFR1 paracrine signaling triggers the expression of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), leading to the migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells. Our findings shed new light on the role elicited by estrogens through GPER in the activation of the FGF2/FGFR1 signaling. Moreover, our findings may identify further biological targets that could be considered in innovative combination strategies halting breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
| | | | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
| | - Giulia Raffaella Galli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Brunetti
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180 Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122 Catania, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
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28
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Khan SU, Ahemad N, Chuah LH, Naidu R, Htar TT. Sequential ligand- and structure-based virtual screening approach for the identification of potential G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) modulators. RSC Adv 2019; 9:2525-2538. [PMID: 35520492 PMCID: PMC9059856 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra09318k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) is a seven transmembrane receptor, responsible for mediating rapid estrogen signaling in many physiological responses in reproductive, nervous, endocrine, immune and cardiovascular systems. Due to unavailability of the crystal structure of GPER-1, we have performed sequential ligand-based virtual screening (LBVS) and structure-based screening (SBVS) to identify potential GPER-1 modulators. LBVS and SBVS approaches were validated retrospectively using the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) plot and the early Enrichment Factor (EF). LBVS was performed based on a GPER-1 agonist, G1, as a query model for screening of the eMolecules library using the Rapid Overlay of Chemical Structure (ROCS) and the electrostatic potential screening (EON) approaches. Top-scored hits from LBVS were further screened by SBVS. SBVS was based on generating homology models of GPER-1 and subsequent molecular docking studies. Using Chemguass4 score, we filtered the final hits with the higher score in comparison to G1 (Chemguass4 score = −11.575). The top-ranked hits were clustered based on similarity in their scaffolds. Prospective validation was performed by evaluating the antiproliferative activity of synthesized compounds (SK0 and SK0P) which were representative of top hits obtained from our virtual screening approach. This paper presents the application of sequential ligand- and structure-based virtual screening approach for the identification of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1/GPR30) modulators.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shafi Ullah Khan
- School of Pharmacy
- Monash University Malaysia
- 47500 Subang Jaya
- Malaysia
| | - Nafees Ahemad
- School of Pharmacy
- Monash University Malaysia
- 47500 Subang Jaya
- Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine and Biology Multidisciplinary Platform
| | - Lay-Hong Chuah
- School of Pharmacy
- Monash University Malaysia
- 47500 Subang Jaya
- Malaysia
- Advanced Engineering Platform
| | - Rakesh Naidu
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Monash University Malaysia
- 47500 Subang Jaya
- Malaysia
| | - Thet Thet Htar
- School of Pharmacy
- Monash University Malaysia
- 47500 Subang Jaya
- Malaysia
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29
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GPCR Modulation in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123840. [PMID: 30513833 PMCID: PMC6321247 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer found in women living in developed countries. Endocrine therapy is the mainstay of treatment for hormone-responsive breast tumors (about 70% of all breast cancers) and implies the use of selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors. In contrast, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly heterogeneous disease that may account for up to 24% of all newly diagnosed cases, is hormone-independent and characterized by a poor prognosis. As drug resistance is common in all breast cancer subtypes despite the different treatment modalities, novel therapies targeting signaling transduction pathways involved in the processes of breast carcinogenesis, tumor promotion and metastasis have been subject to accurate consideration. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors involved in the development and progression of many tumors including breast cancer. Here we discuss data regarding GPCR-mediated signaling, pharmacological properties and biological outputs toward breast cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, we address several drugs that have shown an unexpected opportunity to interfere with GPCR-based breast tumorigenic signals.
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30
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Li Y, Gong D, Zhang L, Li H, Zhang S, Zhang J, Li K, Zheng Q, Zhao G, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Guo Y, Xiang R, Lin P, Wei Y. Zinc finger protein 32 promotes breast cancer stem cell-like properties through directly promoting GPER transcription. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1162. [PMID: 30478301 PMCID: PMC6255875 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. Due to the existence of a small fraction of stem cell-like subpopulations, some breast cancer subtypes exhibit very high malignancy and resistance to multiple therapies. The underlying mechanisms of how these subtypes acquire stem cell-like properties and progress more aggressively remain largely unknown. Zinc finger protein 32 (ZNF32), a newly discovered transcription factor, has been reported to be associated with breast cancer progression. However, many questions remain about its target genes and its exact mechanisms in regulating stem cell-like properties and drug resistance. In the present study, we examined the relationship between ZNF32 and GPER, a membrane-associated estrogen receptor, and we addressed their roles in stemness regulation in human breast cancer cell lines. Our results showed that ZNF32 could induce expansion of stem cell-like subpopulations and increase drug resistance by upregulating GPER expression, in which ERK activation was also implicated. We also illustrated that ZNF32 induced GPER expression via a ZNF32 binding sequence located within the GPER promoter region. A correlation between ZNF32/GPER expression and increased tumor incidence and burden was observed in xenograft mouse models. We conclude that ZNF32 can engage GPER/ERK signalling and confer breast cancer stem cell-like properties, which may indicate poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. ZNF32 and GPER targeted therapies might provide new solutions for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Gong
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hongjiang Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Huaxi Biobank, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Li
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - QianWen Zheng
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yafei Guo
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Department of clinical medicine, School of Medicine, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Division of Cancer Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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31
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Sharma D, Kumar S, Narasimhan B. Estrogen alpha receptor antagonists for the treatment of breast cancer: a review. Chem Cent J 2018; 12:107. [PMID: 30361894 PMCID: PMC6768042 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-018-0472-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer is at present one of the leading causes of death in the world. It accounts for 13% of deaths occurred worldwide and is continuously rising, with an estimated million of deaths up to 2030. Due to poor availability of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, the rate of mortality is at alarming level globally. In women, hormone-dependent estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer making up approximately 75% of all breast cancers. Hence, it has drawn the extensive attention of researchers towards the development of effective drugs for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer. Estrogen, a female sex hormone has a vital role in the initiation and progression of breast malignancy. Therefore, estrogen receptor is the central target for the treatment of breast cancer. Conclusion In this review, we have studied various classes of antiestrogens that have been designed and synthesized with selective binding for estrogen alpha receptor (ER). Since estrogen receptor α is mainly responsible for the breast cancer initiation and progression, therefore there is need of promising strategies for the design and synthesis of new therapeutic ligands which selectively bind to estrogen alpha receptor and inhibit estrogen dependent proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Sharma
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
| | - Sanjiv Kumar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, 124001, India
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32
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O’Dea A, Sondergard C, Sweeney P, Arnatt CK. A Series of Indole-Thiazole Derivatives Act as GPER Agonists and Inhibit Breast Cancer Cell Growth. ACS Med Chem Lett 2018; 9:901-906. [PMID: 30258538 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER, GPR30) represents a promising target for the treatment of estrogen receptor α and β negative breast cancers. Previously reported agonists of GPER have shown that activation of GPER inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation. We report herein a new GPER agonist scaffold based upon in silico pharmacophore screening. Three of these compounds were found to increase cAMP at similar levels as the known GPER-selective agonist G-1. Compound 5 was found to be selective for GPER (over estrogen receptor α and β) and inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation at levels consistent with G-1. Docking studies go on to suggest that both 5 and G-1 bind within the same binding pocket in GPER and point to possible key residues that are important in GPER activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin O’Dea
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri United States
| | - Chelsea Sondergard
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri United States
| | - Patrick Sweeney
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri United States
| | - Christopher Kent Arnatt
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri United States
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Vajaria R, Vasudevan N. Is the membrane estrogen receptor, GPER1, a promiscuous receptor that modulates nuclear estrogen receptor-mediated functions in the brain? Horm Behav 2018; 104:165-172. [PMID: 29964007 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Contribution to Special Issue on Fast effects of steroids. Estrogen signals both slowly to regulate transcription and rapidly to activate kinases and regulate calcium levels. Both rapid, non-genomic signaling as well as genomic transcriptional signaling via intracellular estrogen receptors (ER)s can change behavior. Rapid non-genomic signaling is initiated from the plasma membrane by a G-protein coupled receptor called GPER1 that binds 17β-estradiol. GPER1 or GPR30 is one of the candidates for a membrane ER (mER) that is not only highly expressed in pathology i.e. cancers but also in several behaviorally-relevant brain regions. In the brain, GPER1 signaling, in response to estrogen, facilitates neuroprotection, social behaviors and cognition. In this review, we describe several notable characteristics of GPER1 such as the ability of several endogenous steroids as well as artificially synthesized molecules to bind the GPER1. In addition, GPER1 is localized to the plasma membrane in breast cancer cell lines but may be present in the endoplasmic reticulum or the Golgi apparatus in the hippocampus. Unusually, GPER1 can also translocate to the perinuclear space from the plasma membrane. We explore the idea that subcellular localization and ligand promiscuity may determine the varied downstream signaling cascades of the activated GPER1. Lastly, we suggest that GPER1 can act as a modulator of ERα-mediated action on a convergent target, spinogenesis, in neurons that in turn drives female social behaviors such as lordosis and social learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Vajaria
- School of Biological Sciences, Hopkins Building, University of Reading WhiteKnights Campus, Reading RG6 6AS, United Kingdom.
| | - Nandini Vasudevan
- School of Biological Sciences, Hopkins Building Room 205, University of Reading WhiteKnights Campus, Reading RG6 6AS, United Kingdom.
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Pupo M, Bodmer A, Berto M, Maggiolini M, Dietrich PY, Picard D. A genetic polymorphism repurposes the G-protein coupled and membrane-associated estrogen receptor GPER to a transcription factor-like molecule promoting paracrine signaling between stroma and breast carcinoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:46728-46744. [PMID: 28596490 PMCID: PMC5564519 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
GPER is a membrane-associated estrogen receptor of the family of G-protein coupled receptors. For breast cancer, the contribution of GPER to promoting the proliferation and migration of both carcinoma cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in response to estrogen and other agonists has extensively been investigated. Intriguingly, GPER was previously found to be localized to the nucleus in one isolate of breast CAFs. Moreover, this nuclear GPER was shown to bind regulatory sequences of cancer-relevant target genes and to induce their expression. We decided to find out what induces the nuclear localization of GPER, how general this phenomenon is, and what its functional significance is. We discovered that interfering with N-linked glycosylation of GPER, either by mutation of the predicted glycosylation sites or pharmacologically with tunicamycin, drives GPER into the nucleus. Surveying a small set of CAFs from breast cancer biopsies, we found that a relatively common single nucleotide polymorphism, which results in the expression of a GPER variant with the amino acid substitution P16L, is associated with the nuclear localization of GPER. GPER with P16L fails to be glycosylated, presumably because of a conformational effect on the nearby glycosylation sites. GPER P16L is defective for membrane-associated signaling, but instead acts like an estrogen-stimulated transcription factor. In CAFs, it induces the secretion of paracrine factors that promote the migration of carcinoma cells. This raises the possibility that the GPER P16L polymorphism could be a risk factor for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Pupo
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, Sciences III, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland.,Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,Current address: Areta International S.r.l., Gerenzano, Italy
| | - Alexandre Bodmer
- Département d'Oncologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, CH - 1211 Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Melissa Berto
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, Sciences III, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Pierre-Yves Dietrich
- Département d'Oncologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, CH - 1211 Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Cellulaire and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Université de Genève, Sciences III, CH-1211 Genève 4, Switzerland
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Sex Hormone Receptors in Benign and Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors: Prognostic and Predictive Role. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020399. [PMID: 29385707 PMCID: PMC5855621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of sex hormone receptors in human cancer development and progression has been well documented in numerous studies, as has the success of sex hormone antagonists in the biological therapy of many human tumors. In salivary gland tumors (SGTs), little and conflicting information about the role of the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PgR) and androgen receptor (AR) has been described and in most cases the use of sex hormone antagonists is not contemplated in clinical practice. In this study, we analyzed a panel of sex hormone receptors that have not been widely investigated in SGTs—ERα, PgR, AR, but also ERβ and GPR30—to define their expression pattern and their prognostic and predictive value in a case series of 69 benign and malignant SGTs. We showed the aberrant expression of AR in mucoepidermoid and oncocytic carcinoma, a strong relation between cytoplasmic ERβ expression and tumor grade, and a strong correlation between nuclear GPR30 expression and disease-free survival (DFS) of SGT patients.
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36
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Fuady JH, Gutsche K, Santambrogio S, Varga Z, Hoogewijs D, Wenger RH. Estrogen-dependent downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-2α in invasive breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:31153-65. [PMID: 27105516 PMCID: PMC5058746 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of estrogen (E2) and hypoxia in tumor progression is well established. Hypoxia has been reported to activate and degrade estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, E2 has been shown to regulate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein, but its role in HIF-2α regulation remains largely unexplored. In this study, we found that both HIF-2α mRNA and protein were down-regulated in ER positive but not ER negative breast cancer cells upon treatment with E2. The analysis of 690 samples derived from 608 mixed and 82 triple-negative breast cancer patients revealed that high nuclear HIF-2α tumor levels are associated with a worse prognosis specifically in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and hormone receptor positive patients. Consistently, ERα/HER2 positive breast cancer cells displayed less pronounced downregulation of HIF-2α by E2. Experiments using a histone deacetylase inhibitor indicate that the E2 mediated decrease in HIF-2α mRNA is due to transcriptional repression. A functional estrogen response element (ERE) was identified in the first intron of the gene encoding HIF-2α (EPAS1), suggesting transcriptional co-repressor recruitment by ERα. Our results demonstrate a novel modulation of HIF-2α in breast cancer cells, explaining the opposing regulation between HIF-1α and HIF-2α in hormone-responsive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry H Fuady
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Centre for Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Gutsche
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Centre for Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sara Santambrogio
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Centre for Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Zsuzsanna Varga
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - David Hoogewijs
- Institute of Physiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roland H Wenger
- Institute of Physiology and Zurich Centre for Human Physiology (ZIHP), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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37
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The lauric acid-activated signaling prompts apoptosis in cancer cells. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17063. [PMID: 28924490 PMCID: PMC5601385 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The saturated medium-chain fatty-acid lauric acid (LA) has been associated to certain health-promoting benefits of coconut oil intake, including the improvement of the quality of life in breast cancer patients during chemotherapy. As it concerns the potential to hamper tumor growth, LA was shown to elicit inhibitory effects only in colon cancer cells. Here, we provide novel insights regarding the molecular mechanisms through which LA triggers antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in both breast and endometrial cancer cells. In particular, our results demonstrate that LA increases reactive oxygen species levels, stimulates the phosphorylation of EGFR, ERK and c-Jun and induces the expression of c-fos. In addition, our data evidence that LA via the Rho-associated kinase-mediated pathway promotes stress fiber formation, which exerts a main role in the morphological changes associated with apoptotic cell death. Next, we found that the increase of p21Cip1/WAF1 expression, which occurs upon LA exposure in a p53-independent manner, is involved in the apoptotic effects prompted by LA in both breast and endometrial cancer cells. Collectively, our findings may pave the way to better understand the anticancer action of LA, although additional studies are warranted to further corroborate its usefulness in more comprehensive therapeutic approaches.
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38
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Tundis R, Iacopetta D, Sinicropi MS, Bonesi M, Leporini M, Passalacqua NG, Ceramella J, Menichini F, Loizzo MR. Assessment of antioxidant, antitumor and pro-apoptotic effects of Salvia fruticosa Mill. subsp. thomasii (Lacaita) Brullo, Guglielmo, Pavone & Terrasi (Lamiaceae). Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 106:155-164. [PMID: 28552787 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antitumor effects of Salvia fruticosa Mill subsp. thomasii (Lacaita) Brullo, Guglielmo, Pavone & Terrasi (Lamiaceae). The aerial parts were extracted by maceration with methanol. This extract was partitioned with methanol and n-hexane. Luteolin, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, rutin and salvigenin were isolated from the methanol-soluble fraction. n-Hexane fraction showed viridiflorol, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, as main components. The methanol-soluble fraction exerted antitumor activity against human breast cancer (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and human colorectal carcinoma (RKO and Caco-2) cells. TUNEL test revealed that S. fruticosa subsp. thomasii leads to cells death by apoptosis, with low cytotoxic effects on non-tumoral 3T3-L1 cells. Moreover, it exerted the highest protection of lipid peroxidation and reduced the oxidative stress induced by menadione treatment in 3T3-L1 murine fibroblasts. S. fruticosa subsp. thomasii bioactivity could promote its use not only as food but also in nutraceutical/pharmaceutical industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Tundis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - D Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - M S Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - M Bonesi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - M Leporini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - N G Passalacqua
- Natural History Museum of Calabria and Botanic Garden, University of Calabria, I-87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - J Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy
| | - F Menichini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - M R Loizzo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, CS, Italy.
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39
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GPER is involved in the stimulatory effects of aldosterone in breast cancer cells and breast tumor-derived endothelial cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:94-111. [PMID: 26646587 PMCID: PMC4807985 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone induces relevant effects binding to the mineralcorticoid receptor (MR), which acts as a ligand-gated transcription factor. Alternate mechanisms can mediate the action of aldosterone such as the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), MAPK/ERK, transcription factors and ion channels. The G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER) has been involved in the stimulatory effects of estrogenic signalling in breast cancer. GPER has been also shown to contribute to certain responses to aldosterone, however the role played by GPER and the molecular mechanisms implicated remain to be fully understood. Here, we evaluated the involvement of GPER in the stimulatory action exerted by aldosterone in breast cancer cells and breast tumor derived endothelial cells (B-TEC). Competition assays, gene expression and silencing studies, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence experiments, cell proliferation and migration were performed in order to provide novel insights into the role of GPER in the aldosterone-activated signalling. Our results demonstrate that aldosterone triggers the EGFR/ERK transduction pathway in a MR- and GPER-dependent manner. Aldosterone does not bind to GPER, it however induces the direct interaction between MR and GPER as well as between GPER and EGFR. Next, we ascertain that the up-regulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger-1 (NHE-1) induced by aldosterone involves MR and GPER. Biologically, both MR and GPER contribute to the proliferation and migration of breast and endothelial cancer cells mediated by NHE-1 upon aldosterone exposure. Our data further extend the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms through which GPER may contribute to the stimulatory action elicited by aldosterone in breast cancer.
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40
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Rigiracciolo DC, Scarpelli A, Lappano R, Pisano A, Santolla MF, De Marco P, Cirillo F, Cappello AR, Dolce V, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, De Francesco EM. Copper activates HIF-1α/GPER/VEGF signalling in cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 6:34158-77. [PMID: 26415222 PMCID: PMC4741443 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper promotes tumor angiogenesis, nevertheless the mechanisms involved remain to be fully understood. We have recently demonstrated that the G-protein estrogen receptor (GPER) cooperates with hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) toward the regulation of the pro-angiogenic factor VEGF. Here, we show that copper sulfate (CuSO4) induces the expression of HIF-1α as well as GPER and VEGF in breast and hepatic cancer cells through the activation of the EGFR/ERK/c-fos transduction pathway. Worthy, the copper chelating agent TEPA and the ROS scavenger NAC prevented the aforementioned stimulatory effects. We also ascertained that HIF-1α and GPER are required for the transcriptional activation of VEGF induced by CuSO4. In addition, in human endothelial cells, the conditioned medium from breast cancer cells treated with CuSO4 promoted cell migration and tube formation through HIF-1α and GPER. The present results provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms involved by copper in triggering angiogenesis and tumor progression. Our data broaden the therapeutic potential of copper chelating agents against tumor angiogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Scarpelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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41
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Pisano A, Santolla MF, De Francesco EM, De Marco P, Rigiracciolo DC, Perri MG, Vivacqua A, Abonante S, Cappello AR, Dolce V, Belfiore A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. GPER, IGF-IR, and EGFR transduction signaling are involved in stimulatory effects of zinc in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Carcinog 2016; 56:580-593. [PMID: 27341075 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that contributes to the regulation of several cellular functions; however, it may be also implicated in the progression of breast cancer through different mechanisms. It has been largely reported that the classical estrogen receptor (ER), as well as the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER, previously known as GPR30) can exert a main role in the development of breast tumors. In the present study, we demonstrate that zinc chloride (ZnCl2 ) involves GPER in the activation of insulin-like growth factor receptor I (IGF-IR)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mediated signaling, which in turn triggers downstream pathways like ERK and AKT in breast cancer cells, and main components of the tumor microenvironment namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Further corroborating these findings, ZnCl2 stimulates a functional crosstalk of GPER with IGF-IR and EGFR toward the transcription of diverse GPER target genes. Then, we show that GPER contributes to the stimulatory effects induced by ZnCl2 on cell-cycle progression, proliferation, and migration of breast cancer cells as well as migration of CAFs. Together, our data provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms through which zinc may exert stimulatory effects in breast cancer cells and CAFs toward tumor progression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | | | - Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Perri
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rita Cappello
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Health, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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42
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De Marco P, Lappano R, De Francesco EM, Cirillo F, Pupo M, Avino S, Vivacqua A, Abonante S, Picard D, Maggiolini M. GPER signalling in both cancer-associated fibroblasts and breast cancer cells mediates a feedforward IL1β/IL1R1 response. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24354. [PMID: 27072893 PMCID: PMC4829876 DOI: 10.1038/srep24354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the malignant aggressiveness through secreted factors like IL1β, which may drive pro-tumorigenic inflammatory phenotypes mainly acting via the cognate receptor named IL1R1. Here, we demonstrate that signalling mediated by the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER) triggers IL1β and IL1R1 expression in CAFs and breast cancer cells, respectively. Thereby, ligand-activation of GPER generates a feedforward loop coupling IL1β induction by CAFs to IL1R1 expression by cancer cells, promoting the up-regulation of IL1β/IL1R1 target genes such as PTGES, COX2, RAGE and ABCG2. This regulatory interaction between the two cell types induces migration and invasive features in breast cancer cells including fibroblastoid cytoarchitecture and F-actin reorganization. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines by GPER-integrated estrogen signals may be useful to target these stroma-cancer interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Marco Pupo
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.,Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva Switzerland
| | - Silvia Avino
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Didier Picard
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, University of Geneva, Geneva Switzerland
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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43
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Bruno A, Aiello F, Costantino G, Radi M. Homology Modeling, Validation and Dynamics of the G Protein-coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER-1). Mol Inform 2016; 35:333-9. [PMID: 27546037 DOI: 10.1002/minf.201501024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens exert their action mainly by binding three receptors, namely estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and GPER-1 (G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1). While the patho-physiological role of both ERα and ERβ has been deeply investigated, the role of GPER-1 in estrogens' signaling has not been clearly defined yet. Unfortunately, only few GPER-1 selective ligands were discovered so far, and the real efficiency of such compounds is still matter of debate. To better understand the physiological relevance of GPER-1, new selective chemical probes are higly needed. In this scenario, we report herein the generation and validation of a three-dimensional (3-D) GPER-1 homology model by means of docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The model thus generated was employed to (i) decipher the structural basis underlying the ability of estrogens and some Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) to bind GPER-1 and classical ERα and ERβ, and (ii) generate a reliable G1/GPER-1 complex useful in rationalizing the pharmacological profile of G1 reported in the literature. The G1/GPER-1 complex herein reported could be further exploited in drug design approaches aimed at improving the pharmacological profile of G1 or at identifying new chemical entities (NCEs) as potential modulators of GPER-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Bruno
- P4T Group, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy .
| | - Francesca Aiello
- Dipartimento di Farmacia e Sienze della Salute e della Nutrizione, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende (CS, Italy
| | - Gabriele Costantino
- P4T Group, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Marco Radi
- P4T Group, Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Parma, Viale delle Scienze, 27/A, 43124, Parma, Italy .
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Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator and is mainly indicated for the treatment of breast cancer in postmenopausal women and postsurgery neoadjuvant therapy in ER-positive breast cancers. Interestingly, 5–10% of the ER-negative breast cancers have also shown sensitivity to tamoxifen treatment. The involvement of molecular markers and/or signaling pathways independent of ER signaling has been implicated in tamoxifen sensitivity in the ER-negative subgroup. Studies reveal that variation in the expression of estrogen-related receptor alpha, ER subtype beta, tumor microenvironment, and epigenetics affects tamoxifen sensitivity. This review discusses the background of the research on the action of tamoxifen that may inspire future studies to explore effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of ER-negative and triple-negative breast cancers, the latter being an aggressive disease with worse clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrata Manna
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marina K Holz
- Department of Biology, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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45
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Identification of two benzopyrroloxazines acting as selective GPER antagonists in breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Future Med Chem 2016; 7:437-48. [PMID: 25875871 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is involved in numerous intracellular physiological and pathological events including cancer cell migration and proliferation. Its characterization is yet incomplete due to the limited number of specific ligands. RESULTS Two novel selective GPER antagonists, based on a benzo[b]pyrrolo[1,2-d][1,4]oxazin-4-one structure, have been designed and synthesized. Their binding to the receptor was confirmed by a competition assay, while the antagonist effects were ascertained by their capability to prevent the ligand-stimulated action of GPER. The transcription mediated by the classical estrogen receptor was not influenced, demonstrating selectivity for GPER. CONCLUSION These novel compounds may be considered useful leads toward the dissection of the GPER signaling and the development of new pharmacological treatments in breast cancer.
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46
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Rosano C, Ponassi M, Santolla MF, Pisano A, Felli L, Vivacqua A, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Macromolecular Modelling and Docking Simulations for the Discovery of Selective GPER Ligands. AAPS JOURNAL 2015; 18:41-6. [PMID: 26573009 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-015-9844-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens influence multiple physiological processes and are implicated in many diseases as well. Cellular responses to estrogens are mainly mediated by the estrogen receptors (ER)α and ERβ, which act as ligand-activated transcription factors. Recently, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily, namely GPER/GPR30, has been identified as a further mediator of estrogen signalling in different pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. Today, computational methods are commonly used in all areas of health science research. Among these methods, virtual ligand screening has become an established technique for hit discovery and optimization. The absence of an established three-dimensional structure of GPER promoted studies of structure-based drug design in order to build reliable molecular models of this receptor. Here, we discuss the results obtained through the structure-based virtual ligand screening for GPER, which allowed the identification and synthesis of different selective agonist and antagonist moieties. These compounds led significant advances in our understanding of the GPER function at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. In particular, selective GPER ligands were critical toward the evaluation of the role elicited by this receptor in several pathophysiological conditions, including cancer. Considering that structure-based approaches are fundamental in drug discovery, future research breakthroughs with the aid of computer-aided molecular design and chemo-bioinformatics could generate a new class of drugs that, acting through GPER, would be useful in a variety of diseases as well as in innovative anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camillo Rosano
- UOS Proteomics IRCCS AOU San Martino- IST National Institute for Cancer Research, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Marco Ponassi
- UOS Proteomics IRCCS AOU San Martino- IST National Institute for Cancer Research, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Bucci, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Bucci, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Lamberto Felli
- Department of Orthopedical Surgery, University of Genoa, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Bucci, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Bucci, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, via Bucci, 87036, Rende, Cosenza, Italy
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Lappano R, Rosano C, Pisano A, Santolla MF, De Francesco EM, De Marco P, Dolce V, Ponassi M, Felli L, Cafeo G, Kohnke FH, Abonante S, Maggiolini M. A calixpyrrole derivative acts as an antagonist to GPER, a G-protein coupled receptor: mechanisms and models. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1237-46. [PMID: 26183213 PMCID: PMC4610237 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.021071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens regulate numerous pathophysiological processes, mainly by binding to and activating estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ. Increasing amounts of evidence have recently demonstrated that G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30; also known as GPER) is also involved in diverse biological responses to estrogens both in normal and cancer cells. The classical ER and GPER share several features, including the ability to bind to identical compounds; nevertheless, some ligands exhibit opposed activity through these receptors. It is worth noting that, owing to the availability of selective agonists and antagonists of GPER for research, certain differential roles elicited by GPER compared with ER have been identified. Here, we provide evidence on the molecular mechanisms through which a calixpyrrole derivative acts as a GPER antagonist in different model systems, such as breast tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) obtained from breast cancer patients. Our data might open new perspectives toward the development of a further class of selective GPER ligands in order to better dissect the role exerted by this receptor in different pathophysiological conditions. Moreover, calixpyrrole derivatives could be considered in future anticancer strategies targeting GPER in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Camillo Rosano
- U.O.S. Biopolymers and Proteomics, IST-National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Assunta Pisano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Santolla
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | | | - Paola De Marco
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Vincenza Dolce
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Marco Ponassi
- U.O.S. Biopolymers and Proteomics, IST-National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Lamberto Felli
- U.O.S. Biopolymers and Proteomics, IST-National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova 16132, Italy
| | - Grazia Cafeo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina 98166, Italy
| | | | | | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende 87036, Italy
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48
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Papalia T, Lappano R, Barattucci A, Pisano A, Bruno G, Santolla MF, Campagna S, De Marco P, Puntoriero F, De Francesco EM, Rosano C, Maggiolini M, Bonaccorsi P. A Bodipy as a luminescent probe for detection of the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER). Org Biomol Chem 2015; 13:10437-41. [PMID: 26400551 DOI: 10.1039/c5ob01827g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We report the rational design, based on docking simulations, and synthesis of the first fluorescent and selective probe of GPER for bioimaging purposes and functional dissecting studies. It has been conceived as a Bodipy derivative and obtained by accessible and direct synthesis. Its optical properties have been measured in different solvents, showing insensitivity to their polarity. Its binding to GPER was achieved by competition assays with [3H]E2 and [5,6-3H] nicotinic acid in ER-negative and GPER-positive SkBr3 breast cancer cells. SkBr3 cells, transfected with a GPER expression vector containing a FLAG tag, were used to confirm that the fluorophore binds to GPER in a specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Papalia
- Department of "Scienze del Farmaco e Prodotti per la Salute", v. Annunziata, Università degli Studi di Messina, Polo Universitario, 98168 Messina, Italy
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49
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Moreno-Ulloa A, Mendez-Luna D, Beltran-Partida E, Castillo C, Guevara G, Ramirez-Sanchez I, Correa-Basurto J, Ceballos G, Villarreal F. The effects of (-)-epicatechin on endothelial cells involve the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). Pharmacol Res 2015; 100:309-20. [PMID: 26303816 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We have provided evidence that the stimulatory effects of (-)-epicatechin ((-)-EPI) on endothelial cell nitric oxide (NO) production may involve the participation of a cell-surface receptor. Thus far, such entity(ies) has not been fully elucidated. The G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a cell-surface receptor that has been linked to protective effects on the cardiovascular system and activation of intracellular signaling pathways (including NO production) similar to those reported with (-)-EPI. In bovine coronary artery endothelial cells (BCAEC) by the use of confocal imaging, we evidence the presence of GPER at the cell-surface and on F-actin filaments. Using in silico studies we document the favorable binding mode between (-)-EPI and GPER. Such binding is comparable to that of the GPER agonist, G1. By the use of selective blockers, we demonstrate that the activation of ERK 1/2 and CaMKII by (-)-EPI is dependent on the GPER/c-SRC/EGFR axis mimicking those effects noted with G1. We also evidence by the use of siRNA the role that GPER has on mediating ERK1/2 activation by (-)-EPI. GPER appears to be coupled to a non Gαi/o or Gαs, protein subtype. To extrapolate our findings to an ex vivo model, we employed phenylephrine pre-contracted aortic rings evidencing that (-)-EPI can mediate vasodilation through GPER activation. In conclusion, we provide evidence that suggests the GPER as a potential mediator of (-)-EPI effects and highlights the important role that GPER may have on cardiovascular system protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Moreno-Ulloa
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - David Mendez-Luna
- Laboratorio de modelado Molecular y Diseño de Fármacos, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | | | - Carmen Castillo
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Guevara
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Israel Ramirez-Sanchez
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - José Correa-Basurto
- Laboratorio de modelado Molecular y Diseño de Fármacos, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico; Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Guillermo Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Investigación Integral Cardiometabólica, Sección de Estudios de Posgrado, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico
| | - Francisco Villarreal
- University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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50
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Wróbel AM, Gregoraszczuk EŁ. Action of methyl-, propyl- and butylparaben on GPR30 gene and protein expression, cAMP levels and activation of ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-10A non-transformed breast epithelial cells. Toxicol Lett 2015; 238:110-6. [PMID: 26253279 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined cAMP levels and activation of the MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in response to the actions of parabens on GPR30 in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. Cells were exposed to methyl-, propyl- or butylparaben at a concentration of 20nM; 17-β-estradiol (10nM) was used as a positive control. 17β-estradiol and all tested parabens increased GPR30 gene and protein expression in MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. No parabens affected cAMP levels in either cell line, with the exception of propylparaben in MCF-10A cells. 17β-estradiol, propylparaben, and butylparaben increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in MCF-7 cells, whereas 17β-estradiol, methyl- and butylparaben, but not propylparaben, increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in MCF-10A cells. Akt activation was noted only in MCF-7 cells and only with propylparaben treatment. Collectively, the data presented here point to a nongenomic mechanism of action of parabens in activation GPR30 in both cancer and non-cancer breast cell lines through βγ dimer-mediated activation of the ERK1/2 pathway, but not the cAMP/PKA pathway. Moreover, among investigated parabens, propylparaben appears to inhibit apoptosis in cancer cells through activation of Akt kinases, confirming conclusions suggested by our previously published data. Nevertheless, continuing research on the carcinogenic action of parabens is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Wróbel
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Ewa Łucja Gregoraszczuk
- Department of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Gronostajowa 9, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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