1
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Haines CN, Klingensmith HD, Komara M, Burd CJ. GREB1 regulates PI3K/Akt signaling to control hormone-sensitive breast cancer proliferation. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1660-1670. [PMID: 32894276 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 70% of breast cancers express the estrogen receptor (ER) and depend on ER activity for survival and proliferation. While hormone therapies that target receptor activity are initially effective, patients invariably develop resistance which is often associated with activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. While the mechanism by which estrogen regulates proliferation is not fully understood, one gene target of ER, growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1), is required for hormone-dependent proliferation. However, the molecular function by which GREB1 regulates proliferation is unknown. Herein, we validate that knockdown of GREB1 results in growth arrest and that exogenous GREB1 expression initiates senescence, suggesting that an optimal level of GREB1 expression is necessary for proliferation of breast cancer cells. Under both of these conditions, GREB1 is able to regulate signaling through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. GREB1 acts intrinsically through PI3K to regulate phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate levels and Akt activity. Critically, growth suppression of estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells by GREB1 knockdown is rescued by expression of constitutively activated Akt. Together, these data identify a novel molecular function by which GREB1 regulates breast cancer proliferation through Akt activation and provides a mechanistic link between estrogen signaling and the PI3K pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne N Haines
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hope D Klingensmith
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Makanko Komara
- The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Craig J Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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2
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Shin EM, Huynh VT, Neja SA, Liu CY, Raju A, Tan K, Tan NS, Gunaratne J, Bi X, Iyer LM, Aravind L, Tergaonkar V. GREB1: An evolutionarily conserved protein with a glycosyltransferase domain links ERα glycosylation and stability to cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/12/eabe2470. [PMID: 33731348 PMCID: PMC7968844 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
What covalent modifications control the temporal ubiquitination of ERα and hence the duration of its transcriptional activity remain poorly understood. We show that GREB1, an ERα-inducible enzyme, catalyzes O-GlcNAcylation of ERα at residues T553/S554, which stabilizes ERα protein by inhibiting association with the ubiquitin ligase ZNF598. Loss of GREB1-mediated glycosylation of ERα results in reduced cellular ERα levels and insensitivity to estrogen. Higher GREB1 expression in ERα+ve breast cancer is associated with greater survival in response to tamoxifen, an ERα agonist. Mice lacking Greb1 exhibit growth and fertility defects reminiscent of phenotypes in ERα-null mice. In summary, this study identifies GREB1, a protein with an evolutionarily conserved domain related to DNA-modifying glycosyltransferases of bacteriophages and kinetoplastids, as the first inducible and the only other (apart from OGT) O-GlcNAc glycosyltransferase in mammalian cytoplasm and ERα as its first substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Myoung Shin
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Vinh Thang Huynh
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sultan Abda Neja
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Chia Yi Liu
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anandhkumar Raju
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Kelly Tan
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive,, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Jayantha Gunaratne
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
- Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117594, Singapore
| | - Xuezhi Bi
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Lakshminarayan M Iyer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - L Aravind
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NFκB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 117597, Singapore
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3
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Kochi M, Hinoi T, Niitsu H, Miguchi M, Saito Y, Sada H, Sentani K, Sakamoto N, Oue N, Tashiro H, Sotomaru Y, Yasui W, Ohdan H. Oncogenic mutation in RAS-RAF axis leads to increased expression of GREB1, resulting in tumor proliferation in colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3540-3549. [PMID: 32629543 PMCID: PMC7541019 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation accounts for up to 90% of all BRAF mutations in human colorectal cancer (CRC), and constitutively activates the MEK‐MAPK pathway. It is recognized that neutralizing mAbs for epidermal growth factor receptor alone are not effective for CRC with BRAFV600E mutation. Therefore, there is increasing interest in identification of the possible therapeutic targets in downstream of BRAF mutation in CRCs. To address this, we studied genome engineered mouse models for colonic neoplasia that has BrafV600E mutation on the basis of Apc inactivation, induced in 2 distinct Cre mouse models, CDX2P‐G22Cre and CDX2P‐CreERT2 mice. We carried out oligonucleotide microarray analysis for colonic neoplasia generated in these mouse models, and compared gene expression profiles among Kras/Braf WT, Kras‐mutated, and Braf‐mutated mouse colon tumors to seek new molecular targets corresponding to the KRAS‐BRAF‐MAPK axis. We found that the expression of the growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer protein 1 (Greb1) was the most upregulated gene in Braf‐mutated mouse tumors compared to Kras/Braf WT counterparts. The silencing of GREB1 significantly reduced the proliferation and tumorigenesis of CRC cell lines, whereas the overexpression of GREB1 promoted cell proliferation. Although GREB1 was first identified as a hormone‐responsive gene mediating estrogen‐stimulated cell proliferation in endometriosis, breast, and ovarian cancers, these results suggest that RAS‐RAF‐MAPK signaling upregulates GREB1 expression in CRC, resulting in cellular proliferation. Thus, GREB1 is a possible therapeutic target for CRCs with BrafV600E mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kochi
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takao Hinoi
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Niitsu
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Masashi Miguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological, Breast and Transplant Surgery, Hiroshima Prefectural Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Saito
- Department of Surgery, Chugoku Rosai Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruki Sada
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sentani
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naohide Oue
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Tashiro
- Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sotomaru
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Applied Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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4
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Veskimäe K, Scaravilli M, Niininen W, Karvonen H, Jaatinen S, Nykter M, Visakorpi T, Mäenpää J, Ungureanu D, Staff S. Expression Analysis of Platinum Sensitive and Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patient Samples Reveals New Candidates for Targeted Therapies. Transl Oncol 2018; 11:1160-1170. [PMID: 30056367 PMCID: PMC6079561 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic malignancies. Identification of new biomarkers is highly needed due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to identify mechanisms of therapy resistance and potential biomarkers by analyzing mRNA and protein expression from samples derived from patients with platinum-sensitive and -resistant ovarian cancer (total cohort n = 53). The data revealed new candidates for targeted therapies, such as GREB1 and ROR2. We showed that the development of platinum resistance correlated with upregulation of ROR2, whereas GREB1 was downregulated. Moreover, we demonstrated that high levels of ROR2 in platinum-resistant samples were associated with upregulation of Wnt5a, STAT3 and NF-kB levels, suggesting that a crosstalk between the non-canonical Wnt5a-ROR2 and STAT3/NF-kB signaling pathways. Upregulation of ROR2, Wnt5a, STAT3 and NF-kB was further detected in a platinum-resistant cell-line model. The results of the present study provided insight into molecular mechanisms associated with platinum resistance that could be further investigated to improve treatment strategies in this clinically challenging gynecological cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Veskimäe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland.
| | - M Scaravilli
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - W Niininen
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - H Karvonen
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - S Jaatinen
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Nykter
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - T Visakorpi
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland; Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - J Mäenpää
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - D Ungureanu
- BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.; Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - S Staff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland; BioMediTech Institute, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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5
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Cheng M, Michalski S, Kommagani R. Role for Growth Regulation by Estrogen in Breast Cancer 1 (GREB1) in Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092543. [PMID: 30154312 PMCID: PMC6163654 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones play important roles in the onset and progression of several cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Although drugs targeting sex hormone function are useful in treating cancer, tumors often develop resistance. Thus, we need to define the downstream effectors of sex hormones in order to develop new treatment strategies for these cancers. Recent studies unearthed one potential mediator of steroid hormone action in tumors: growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1). GREB1 is an early estrogen-responsive gene, and its expression is correlated with estrogen levels in breast cancer patients. Additionally, GREB1 responds to androgen in prostate cancer cells, and can stimulate the proliferation of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that GREB1 also responds to progesterone in human endometrial cells, suggesting that GREB1 is a pan steroid-responsive gene. This mini-review examines evidence that GREB1 participates in several hormone-dependent cancers and could be targeted to treat these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Cheng
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Stephanie Michalski
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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6
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Expression Analysis of Platinum Sensitive and Resistant Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patient Samples Reveals New Candidates for Targeted Therapies. Transl Oncol 2018. [PMID: 30056367 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.07.010] [] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate of all gynecologic malignancies. Identification of new biomarkers is highly needed due to its late diagnosis and high recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to identify mechanisms of therapy resistance and potential biomarkers by analyzing mRNA and protein expression from samples derived from patients with platinum-sensitive and -resistant ovarian cancer (total cohort n = 53). The data revealed new candidates for targeted therapies, such as GREB1 and ROR2. We showed that the development of platinum resistance correlated with upregulation of ROR2, whereas GREB1 was downregulated. Moreover, we demonstrated that high levels of ROR2 in platinum-resistant samples were associated with upregulation of Wnt5a, STAT3 and NF-kB levels, suggesting that a crosstalk between the non-canonical Wnt5a-ROR2 and STAT3/NF-kB signaling pathways. Upregulation of ROR2, Wnt5a, STAT3 and NF-kB was further detected in a platinum-resistant cell-line model. The results of the present study provided insight into molecular mechanisms associated with platinum resistance that could be further investigated to improve treatment strategies in this clinically challenging gynecological cancer.
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7
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Hodgkinson K, Forrest LA, Vuong N, Garson K, Djordjevic B, Vanderhyden BC. GREB1 is an estrogen receptor-regulated tumour promoter that is frequently expressed in ovarian cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:5873-5886. [PMID: 29973689 PMCID: PMC6212416 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0377-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Estrogenic hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of developing ovarian cancer, and estrogen promotes tumour initiation and growth in mouse models of this disease. GREB1 (Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1) is an ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1)-upregulated protein which may mediate estrogen action. GREB1 knockdown prevents hormone-driven proliferation of several breast and prostate cancer cell lines and prolongs survival of mice engrafted with ovarian cancer cells, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, we explored GREB1 function in ovarian cancer. GREB1 overexpression in ovarian cancer cell lines increased cell proliferation and migration and promoted a mesenchymal morphology associated with increased Col1a2, which encodes a collagen I subunit. GREB1 knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted an epithelial morphology associated with decreased Col1a2. In human tissues, GREB1 was expressed in all ESR1-expressing tissues throughout the normal female reproductive tract, in addition to several tissues that did not show ESR1 expression. In a TMA of ovarian cancer cases, GREB1 was expressed in 75–85% of serous, endometrioid, mucinous, and clear cell carcinomas. Serous, endometrioid, and mucinous ovarian cancers were almost always positive for either ESR1 or GREB1, suggesting a possible reliance on signalling through ESR1 and/or GREB1. Targeting GREB1 may inhibit tumour-promoting pathways both downstream and independent of ESR1 and is therefore a possible treatment strategy worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Hodgkinson
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Laura A Forrest
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nhung Vuong
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kenneth Garson
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bojana Djordjevic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara C Vanderhyden
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada. .,Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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8
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Haines CN, Braunreiter KM, Mo XM, Burd CJ. GREB1 isoforms regulate proliferation independent of ERα co-regulator activities in breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:735-746. [PMID: 29695586 PMCID: PMC7158201 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the subsequent regulation of estrogen-responsive genes play a crucial role in the development and progression of the majority of breast cancers. One gene target of ERα, growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1), is associated with proliferation and regulation of ERα activity in estrogen-responsive breast cancer cells. The GREB1 gene encodes three distinct isoforms: GREB1a, GREB1b and GREB1c, whose molecular functions are largely unknown. Here, we investigate the role of these isoforms in regulation of ERα activity and proliferation. Interaction between GREB1 and ERα was mapped to the amino terminus shared by all GREB1 variants. Analysis of isoform-specific regulation of ERα activity suggests none of the GREB1 isoforms possess potent co-regulator activity. Exogenous expression of GREB1a resulted in elevated expression of some ER-target genes, independent of ERα activity. Despite this slight specificity of GREB1a for gene regulation, exogenous expression of either GREB1a or GREB1b resulted in decreased proliferation in both ER-positive and ER-negative breast carcinoma cell lines, demonstrating an ER-independent function of GREB1. Interestingly, we show an increase in the expression of GREB1b and GREB1c mRNA in malignant breast tissue compared to normal patient samples, suggesting a selective preference for these isoforms during malignant transformation. Together, these data suggest GREB1a has an isoform-specific function as a transcriptional regulator while all isoforms share an ER-independent activity that regulates proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne N Haines
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State UniversityComprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kara M Braunreiter
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaokui Molly Mo
- Center for BiostatisticsThe Ohio State University, Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Craig J Burd
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State UniversityComprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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9
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Camden AJ, Szwarc MM, Chadchan SB, DeMayo FJ, O'Malley BW, Lydon JP, Kommagani R. Growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1 (GREB1) is a novel progesterone-responsive gene required for human endometrial stromal decidualization. Mol Hum Reprod 2018; 23:646-653. [PMID: 28911214 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gax045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is Growth Regulation by Estrogen in Breast Cancer 1 (GREB1) required for progesterone-driven endometrial stromal cell decidualization? SUMMARY ANSWER GREB1 is a novel progesterone-responsive gene required for progesterone-driven human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) decidualization. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Successful establishment of pregnancy requires HESCs to transform from fibroblastic to epithelioid cells in a process called decidualization. This process depends on the hormone progesterone, but the molecular mechanisms by which it occurs have not been determined. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Primary and transformed HESCs in which GREB1 expression was knocked down were decidualized in culture for up to 6 days. Wild-type and progesterone receptor (PR) knockout mice were treated with progesterone, and their uteri were assessed for levels of GREB1 expression. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Analysis of previous data included data mining of expression profile data sets and in silico transcription factor-binding analysis. Endometrial biopsies obtained from healthy women of reproductive age during the proliferative phase (Days 8-12) of their menstrual cycle were used for isolating HESCs. Experiments were carried out with early passage (no more than four passages) HESCs isolated from at least three subjects. Transcript levels of decidualization markers prolactin (PRL) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) were detected by quantitative RT-PCR as readouts for HESC decidualization. Cells were also imaged by phase-contrast microscopy. To assess the requirement for GREB1, PR and SRC-2, cells were transfected with specifically targeted small interfering RNAs. Results are shown as mean and SE from three replicates of one representative patient-derived primary endometrial cell line. Experiments were also conducted with transformed HESCs. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Progesterone treatment of mice and transformed HESCs led to an ~5-fold (5.6 ± 0.81, P < 0.05, and 5.2 ± 0.26, P < 0.01, respectively) increase in GREB1 transcript levels. This increase was significantly reduced in the uteri of PR knock-out mice (P < 0.01), in HESCs treated with the PR antagonist RU486 (P < 0.01), or in HESCs in which PR expression was knocked down (P < 0.05). When GREB1 expression was knocked down, progesterone-driven decidualization markers in both immortalized and primary HESCs was significantly reduced (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Finally, GREB1 knock down signficantly reduced expression of the PR target genes WNT4 and FOXOA1 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). LARGE SCALE DATA This study used the Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although in vitro cell culture studies indicate that GREB1 is required for endoemtrial decidualization, the in vivo role of GREB1 in endometrial function and dysfunction should be assessed by using knock-out mouse models. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Identification and functional analysis of GREB1 as a key molecular mediator of decidualization may lead to improved diagnosis and clinical management of women with peri-implantation loss due to inadequate endometrial decidualization. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was funded in part by: a National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) grant (R00 HD080742) and Washington University School of Medicine start-up funds to R.K., an NIH/NICHD grant (RO1 HD-07857) to B.W.O.M., and a NIH/NICHD grant (R01 HD-042311) to J.P.L. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison J Camden
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Maria M Szwarc
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sangappa B Chadchan
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Francesco J DeMayo
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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10
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Wu Y, Zhang Z, Cenciarini ME, Proietti CJ, Amasino M, Hong T, Yang M, Liao Y, Chiang HC, Kaklamani VG, Jeselsohn R, Vadlamudi RK, Huang THM, Li R, De Angelis C, Fu X, Elizalde PV, Schiff R, Brown M, Xu K. Tamoxifen Resistance in Breast Cancer Is Regulated by the EZH2-ERα-GREB1 Transcriptional Axis. Cancer Res 2017; 78:671-684. [PMID: 29212856 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to cancer treatment can be driven by epigenetic reprogramming of specific transcriptomes in favor of the refractory phenotypes. Here we discover that tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer is driven by a regulatory axis consisting of a master transcription factor, its cofactor, and an epigenetic regulator. The oncogenic histone methyltransferase EZH2 conferred tamoxifen resistance by silencing the expression of the estrogen receptor α (ERα) cofactor GREB1. In clinical specimens, induction of DNA methylation of a particular CpG-enriched region at the GREB1 promoter negatively correlated with GREB1 levels and cell sensitivity to endocrine agents. GREB1 also ensured proper cellular reactions to different ligands by recruiting distinct sets of ERα cofactors to cis-regulatory elements, which explains the contradictory biological effects of GREB1 on breast cancer cell growth in response to estrogen or antiestrogen. In refractory cells, EZH2-dependent repression of GREB1 triggered chromatin reallocation of ERα coregulators, converting the antiestrogen into an agonist. In clinical specimens from patients receiving adjuvant tamoxifen treatment, expression levels of EZH2 and GREB1 were correlated negatively, and taken together better predicted patient responses to endocrine therapy. Overall, our work suggests a new strategy to overcome endocrine resistance in metastatic breast cancer by targeting a particular epigenetic program.Significance: This study suggests a new strategy to overcome endocrine resistance in metastatic breast cancer by targeting a particular epigenetic program defined within. Cancer Res; 78(3); 671-84. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Wu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Mauro E Cenciarini
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cecilia J Proietti
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Matias Amasino
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yiji Liao
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Huai-Chin Chiang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Virginia G Kaklamani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Breast Cancer Program, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Rinath Jeselsohn
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Tim Hui-Ming Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas.,Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Carmine De Angelis
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| | - Xiaoyong Fu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| | - Patricia V Elizalde
- Laboratory of Molecular Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rachel Schiff
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston
| | - Myles Brown
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kexin Xu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas. .,Cancer Therapy & Research Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
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11
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Carroll JS. Mechanisms of oestrogen receptor (ER) gene regulation in breast cancer. Eur J Endocrinol 2016; 175:R41-9. [PMID: 26884552 PMCID: PMC5065078 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Most breast cancers are driven by a transcription factor called oestrogen receptor (ER). Understanding the mechanisms of ER activity in breast cancer has been a major research interest and recent genomic advances have revealed extraordinary insights into how ER mediates gene transcription and what occurs during endocrine resistance. This review discusses our current understanding on ER activity, with an emphasis on several evolving, but important areas of ER biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Carroll
- Cancer Research UKCambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Steiner J, Davis J, McClellan J, Enos R, Carson J, Fayad R, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti P, Altomare D, Creek K, Murphy E. Dose-dependent benefits of quercetin on tumorigenesis in the C3(1)/SV40Tag transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 15:1456-67. [PMID: 25482952 DOI: 10.4161/15384047.2014.955444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death in women. Quercetin is a flavonol shown to have anti-carcinogenic actions. However, few studies have investigated the dose-dependent effects of quercetin on tumorigenesis and none have used the C3(1)/SV40 Tag breast cancer mouse model. At 4 weeks of age female C3(1)/SV40 Tag mice were randomized to one of four dietary treatments (n = 15-16/group): control (no quercetin), low-dose quercetin (0.02% diet), moderate-dose quercetin (0.2% diet), or high-dose quercetin (2% diet). Tumor number and volume was assessed twice a week and at sacrifice (20 wks). Results showed an inverted 'U' dose-dependent effect of dietary quercetin on tumor number and volume; at sacrifice the moderate dose was most efficacious and reduced tumor number 20% and tumor volume 78% compared to control mice (C3-Con: 9.0 ± 0.9; C3-0.2%: 7.3 ± 0.9) and (C3-Con: 2061.8 ± 977.0 mm(3); and C3-0.2%: 462.9 ± 75.9 mm(3)). Tumor volume at sacrifice was also reduced by the moderate dose compared to the high and low doses (C3-2%: 1163.2 ± 305.9 mm(3); C3-0.02%: 1401.5 ± 555.6 mm(3)), as was tumor number (C3-2%: 10.7 ± 1.3 mm(3); C3-0.02%: 8.1 ± 1.1 mm(3)). Gene expression microarray analysis performed on mammary glands from C3-Con and C3-0.2% mice determined that 31 genes were down-regulated and 9 genes were up-regulated more than 2-fold (P < 0.05) by quercetin treatment. We report the novel finding that there is a distinct dose-dependent effect of quercetin on tumor number and volume in a transgenic mouse model of human breast cancer, which is associated with a specific gene expression signature related to quercetin treatment.
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Key Words
- BW, body weight
- DCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ
- DEPTOR, DEP domain containing mTOR-interacting protein
- DEXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
- ERα, estrogen receptor alpha
- FABP7, fatty acid binding protein-7
- GREB1, growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer
- MIN, mammary intraepithelial neoplasia
- Muc13, Mucin 13
- NGFR, nerve growth factor receptor
- TIMP4, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4
- TMPRSS4, transmembrane protease serine 4
- dose-response
- flavonoid
- gene expression microarray
- krt6a/b, keratin 6A/B
- mammary tumorigenesis
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Affiliation(s)
- Jl Steiner
- a Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology ; University of South Carolina School of Medicine ; Columbia , SC USA
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13
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Functional evaluation of genetic variants associated with endometriosis near GREB1. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1263-75. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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14
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Hodgkinson KM, Vanderhyden BC. Consideration of GREB1 as a potential therapeutic target for hormone-responsive or endocrine-resistant cancers. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1065-76. [PMID: 24998469 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.936382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Steroid hormones increase the incidence and promote the progression of many types of cancer. Exogenous estrogens increase the risk of developing breast, ovarian and endometrial cancer and many breast cancers initially respond to estrogen deprivation. Although steroid hormone signaling has been extensively studied, the mechanisms of hormone-stimulated cancer growth have not yet been fully elucidated, limiting opportunities for novel approaches to therapeutic intervention. AREAS COVERED This review examines growing evidence for the important role played by the steroid hormone-induced gene called GREB1, or growth regulation by estrogen in breast cancer 1. GREB1 is a critical mediator of both the estrogen-stimulated proliferation of breast cancer cells and the androgen-stimulated proliferation of prostate cancer cells. EXPERT OPINION Although its exact function in the cascade of hormone action remains unclear, the ability of GREB1 to modulate tumor progression in models of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer renders this gene an excellent candidate for further consideration as a potential therapeutic target. Research examining the mechanism of GREB1 action will help to elucidate its role in proliferation and its potential contribution to endocrine resistance and will determine whether GREB1 interference may have therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra M Hodgkinson
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Centre for Cancer Therapeutics , 501 Smyth Road, 3rd Floor, Box 926, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6 , Canada
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15
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Huang Y, Ju B, Tian J, Liu F, Yu H, Xiao H, Liu X, Liu W, Yao Z, Hao Q. Ovarian cancer stem cell-specific gene expression profiling and targeted drug prescreening. Oncol Rep 2014; 31:1235-48. [PMID: 24424387 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.2976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells, with unlimited self-renewal potential and other stem cell characteristics, occur in several types of cancer, including ovarian cancer (OvC). Although CSCs can cause tumor initiation, malignant proliferation, relapse and multi-drug resistance, ways to eliminate them remain unknown. In the present study, we compared ovarian cancer stem cell (OVCSC) expression profiles in normal ovarian surface epithelium and ovarian cells from patients with advanced disease to identify key pathways and specific molecular signatures involved in OVC progression and to prescreen candidate small-molecule compounds with anti-OVCSC activity. Comparison of genome-wide expression profiles of OvC stemness groups with non-stemness controls revealed 6495, 1347 and 509 differentially expressed genes in SDC, SP1 and SP2 groups, respectively, with a cut-off of fold-change set at >1.5 and P<0.05. NAB1 and NPIPL1 were commonly upregulated whereas PROS1, GREB1, KLF9 and MTUS1 were commonly downregulated in all 3 groups. Most differentially expressed genes consistently clustered with molecular functions such as protein receptor binding, kinase activity and chemo-repellent activity. These genes regulate cellular components such as centrosome, plasma membrane receptors, and basal lamina, and may participate in biological processes such as cell cycle regulation, chemoresistance and stemness induction. Key Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways such as ECM receptor, ErbB signaling, endocytosis and adherens junction pathways were enriched. Gene co-expression extrapolation screening by the Connectivity Map revealed several small-molecule compounds (such as SC-560, disulfiram, thapsigargin, esculetin and cinchonine) with potential anti-OVCSC properties targeting OVCSC signature genes. We identified several key CSC features and specific regulation networks in OVCSCs and predicted several small molecules with potential anti-OVCSC pharmacological properties, which may aid the development of OVCSC-specific drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Baohui Ju
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Jing Tian
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Fenghua Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Hu Yu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Huiting Xiao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Wenxin Liu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Yao
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Educational Ministry of China, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, P.R. China
| | - Quan Hao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tianjin Medical Univerisity Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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16
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Mohammed H, D'Santos C, Serandour AA, Ali HR, Brown GD, Atkins A, Rueda OM, Holmes KA, Theodorou V, Robinson JLL, Zwart W, Saadi A, Ross-Innes CS, Chin SF, Menon S, Stingl J, Palmieri C, Caldas C, Carroll JS. Endogenous purification reveals GREB1 as a key estrogen receptor regulatory factor. Cell Rep 2013; 3:342-9. [PMID: 23403292 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor-α (ER) is the driving transcription factor in most breast cancers, and its associated proteins can influence drug response, but direct methods for identifying interacting proteins have been limited. We purified endogenous ER using an approach termed RIME (rapid immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry of endogenous proteins) and discovered the interactome under agonist- and antagonist-liganded conditions in breast cancer cells, revealing transcriptional networks in breast cancer. The most estrogen-enriched ER interactor is GREB1, a potential clinical biomarker with no known function. GREB1 is shown to be a chromatin-bound ER coactivator and is essential for ER-mediated transcription, because it stabilizes interactions between ER and additional cofactors. We show a GREB1-ER interaction in three xenograft tumors, and using a directed protein-protein approach, we find GREB1-ER interactions in half of ER(+) primary breast cancers. This finding is supported by histological expression of GREB1, which shows that GREB1 is expressed in half of ER(+) cancers, and predicts good clinical outcome. These findings reveal an unexpected role for GREB1 as an estrogen-specific ER cofactor that is expressed in drug-sensitive contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisham Mohammed
- Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
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17
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Pellegrini C, Gori I, Achtari C, Hornung D, Chardonnens E, Wunder D, Fiche M, Canny GO. The expression of estrogen receptors as well as GREB1, c-MYC, and cyclin D1, estrogen-regulated genes implicated in proliferation, is increased in peritoneal endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2012; 98:1200-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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18
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GREB1 functions as a growth promoter and is modulated by IL6/STAT3 in breast cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46410. [PMID: 23056300 PMCID: PMC3463574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Growth Regulation by Estrogen in Breast cancer (GREB1) was an estrogen receptor (ER) target gene, and GREB1 expression inversely correlated with HER2 status, possibly as a surrogate marker for ER status and a predictor for tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients. In the present study, we examine the function and regulation of GREB1 in breast cancer, with the goal to develop GREB1 as a biomarker in breast cancer with de novo and acquired tamoxifen resistance. Methods We overexpressed GREB1 using adenovirus containing the full length GREB1 cDNA (Ad-GREB1) in breast cancer cell lines. The soft agar assay was used as a measure of anchorage independent growth. The effects of GREB1 on cell proliferation in MCF-7 cells transduced with Ad-GREB1 were also measured by the me olic activity using AlamarBlue assay. We tested whether there was interaction between STAT3 and ER, which could repress GREB1 expression by immunoprecipitation assay. The effects of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 cascade activation on estrogen-induced GREB1 promoter activity were determined by luciferase assay and those on gene expression were measured by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results We found that the ability of breast cancer cells to grow in soft agar is enhanced following GREB1 transfection. In MCF-7 cells transduced with Ad-GREB1 or transfected with siRNA GREB1, the metabolic activity was increased or completely abolished, suggesting that GREB1 may function as a growth promoter in breast cancer. E2 treatment increased GREB1 promoter luciferase activity. IL-6 inhibited E2-induced GREB1 transcription activity and GREB1 mRNA expression. Constitutively expressing active STAT3 construct (STAT3-C) dramatically decreased GREB1 transcription. Conclusions These data indicate that overexpression of GREB1 promotes cell proliferation and increases the clonogenic ability in breast cancer cells. Moreover, Il6/STAT3 modulates estrogen-induced GREB1 transcriptional activity in breast cancer cells.
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19
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Drabovich AP, Pavlou MP, Dimitromanolakis A, Diamandis EP. Quantitative analysis of energy metabolic pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells by selected reaction monitoring assay. Mol Cell Proteomics 2012; 11:422-34. [PMID: 22535206 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.m111.015214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate the quantitative response of energy metabolic pathways in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells to hypoxia, glucose deprivation, and estradiol stimulation, we developed a targeted proteomics assay for accurate quantification of protein expression in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle, and pentose phosphate pathways. Cell growth conditions were selected to roughly mimic the exposure of cells in the cancer tissue to the intermittent hypoxia, glucose deprivation, and hormonal stimulation. Targeted proteomics assay allowed for reproducible quantification of 76 proteins in four different growth conditions after 24 and 48 h of perturbation. Differential expression of a number of control and metabolic pathway proteins in response to the change of growth conditions was found. Elevated expression of the majority of glycolytic enzymes was observed in hypoxia. Cancer cells, as opposed to near-normal MCF-10A cells, exhibited significantly increased expression of key energy metabolic pathway enzymes (FBP1, IDH2, and G6PD) that are known to redirect cellular metabolism and increase carbon flux through the pentose phosphate pathway. Our quantitative proteomic protocol is based on a mass spectrometry-compatible acid-labile detergent and is described in detail. Optimized parameters of a multiplex selected reaction monitoring (SRM) assay for 76 proteins, 134 proteotypic peptides, and 401 transitions are included and can be downloaded and used with any SRM-compatible mass spectrometer. The presented workflow is an integrated tool for hypothesis-driven studies of mammalian cells as well as functional studies of proteins, and can greatly complement experimental methods in systems biology, metabolic engineering, and metabolic transformation of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei P Drabovich
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON M5T 3L9, Canada
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20
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Chand AL, Wijayakumara DD, Knower KC, Herridge KA, Howard TL, Lazarus KA, Clyne CD. The orphan nuclear receptor LRH-1 and ERα activate GREB1 expression to induce breast cancer cell proliferation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31593. [PMID: 22359603 PMCID: PMC3281101 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver Receptor Homolog 1 (LRH-1, NR5A2) is an orphan nuclear receptor that is over-expressed in cancers in tissues such as the breast, colon and pancreas. LRH-1 plays important roles in embryonic development, steroidogenesis and cholesterol homeostasis. In tumor cells, LRH-1 induces proliferation and cell cycle progression. High LRH-1 expression is demonstrated in breast cancers, positively correlating with ERα status and aromatase activity. LRH-1 dependent cellular mechanisms in breast cancer epithelial cells are poorly defined. Hence in the present study we investigated the actions of LRH-1 in estrogen receptor α (ERα) positive breast cancer cells. Results The study aimed to investigate LRH-1 dependent mechanisms that promote breast cancer proliferation. We identified that LRH-1 regulated the expression of Growth Regulation by Estrogen in Breast Cancer 1 (GREB1) in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Over-expression of LRH-1 increased GREB1 mRNA levels while knockdown of LRH-1 reduced its expression. GREB1 is a well characterised ERα target gene, with three estrogen response elements (ERE) located on its promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies provided evidence of the co-localisation of LRH-1 and ERα at all three EREs. With electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we demonstrated direct binding of LRH-1 to EREs located on GREB1 and Trefoil Factor 1 (TFF1, pS2) promoters. LRH-1 and ERα co-operatively activated transcription of ERE luciferase reporter constructs suggesting an overlap in regulation of target genes in breast cancer cells. Over-expression of LRH-1 resulted in an increase in cell proliferation. This effect was more pronounced with estradiol treatment. In the presence of ICI 182,780, an ERα antagonist, LRH-1 still induced proliferation. Conclusions We conclude that in ER-positive breast cancer cells, LRH-1 promotes cell proliferation by enhancing ERα mediated transcription of target genes such as GREB-1. Collectively these findings indicate the importance of LRH-1 in the progression of hormone-dependent breast cancer and implicate LRH-1 as a potential avenue for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini L Chand
- Prince Henry's Institute, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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21
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Hah N, Danko CG, Core L, Waterfall JJ, Siepel A, Lis JT, Kraus WL. A rapid, extensive, and transient transcriptional response to estrogen signaling in breast cancer cells. Cell 2011; 145:622-34. [PMID: 21549415 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2011.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 368] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2010] [Revised: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
We report the immediate effects of estrogen signaling on the transcriptome of breast cancer cells using global run-on and sequencing (GRO-seq). The data were analyzed using a new bioinformatic approach that allowed us to identify transcripts directly from the GRO-seq data. We found that estrogen signaling directly regulates a strikingly large fraction of the transcriptome in a rapid, robust, and unexpectedly transient manner. In addition to protein-coding genes, estrogen regulates the distribution and activity of all three RNA polymerases and virtually every class of noncoding RNA that has been described to date. We also identified a large number of previously undetected estrogen-regulated intergenic transcripts, many of which are found proximal to estrogen receptor binding sites. Collectively, our results provide the most comprehensive measurement of the primary and immediate estrogen effects to date and a resource for understanding rapid signal-dependent transcription in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasun Hah
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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