Mizejewski GJ, Dias JA, Hauer CR, Henrikson KP, Gierthy J. Alpha-fetoprotein derived synthetic peptides: assay of an estrogen-modifying regulatory segment.
Mol Cell Endocrinol 1996;
118:15-23. [PMID:
8735587 DOI:
10.1016/0303-7207(96)03762-8]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the estrogen bioassay of a synthetic peptide fashioned after an amino acid sequence from human alpha-fetoprotein (HAFP). The synthetic peptide (P149), modeled after a portion of the estrogen binding pocket of rat/human AFP chimeras, was produced via F-MOC solid phase chemistry. Bioassay of P149 in the estrogen-sensitive immature rodent uterus demonstrated an anti-estrogenic (40-50% inhibitory) activity in the 23 h but not the 3-4 h uterine response. In contrast to purified HAFP, incubation of the peptide with estrogen was not a prerequisite for inhibitory activity. The estrogen-dependent increase in uterine thrombin and tissue factor, as determined by an enzymatic esterase assay, was inhibited by 30% in rat uterine cytosols. In an in vitro bioassay of estrogen-induced focus formation in MCF-7 human breast cancer cultures, focus development was inhibited by 70% following peptide exposure. The mechanism of the AFP-derived peptide inhibition of estrogen-dependent growth remains to be determined.
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