1
|
Neuregulin modulates hormone receptor levels in breast cancer through concerted action on multiple signaling pathways. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:1-15. [PMID: 36511917 PMCID: PMC9805957 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Neuregulins (NRGs) are growth factors that bind and activate ErbB/HER receptor tyrosine kinases. Some reports have described an interplay between this ligand-receptor system and hormonal receptors in breast cancer. However, the mechanisms by which NRGs regulate hormonal receptor signaling have not been sufficiently described. Here, we show that in breast cancer cells the activation of NRG receptors down-regulated ERα through a double mechanism that included post-transcriptional and transcriptional effects. This regulation required the concerted participation of three signaling routes: the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ERK1/2, and ERK5 pathways. Moreover, these three routes were also involved in the phosphorylation of ERα at serines 118 and 167, two residues implicated in resistance to endocrine therapies. On the other hand, NRGs conferred resistance to fulvestrant in breast cancer cells and this resistance could be reversed when the three pathways activated by NRGs were simultaneously inhibited. Our results indicate that estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast tumors that can have access to NRGs may be resistant to fulvestrant. This resistance could be overcome if strategies to target the three main pathways involved in the interplay between NRG receptors and ERα could be developed.
Collapse
|
2
|
Sun H, Hirata T, Koga K, Arakawa T, Nagashima N, Neriishi K, Elsherbini M, Maki E, Izumi G, Harada M, Hirota Y, Wada-Hiraike O, Osuga Y. Elevated phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α at serine-118 in ovarian endometrioma. F&S SCIENCE 2022; 3:401-409. [PMID: 35654737 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the phosphorylation of estrogen receptor α at serine-118 (phospho-ERα S118) in the endometrium, ovarian endometrioma, and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN Experimental study. SETTING University-affiliated hospital and academic research laboratory. PATIENT(S) Twenty-five patients underwent a hysterectomy, 18 patients underwent surgical removal of ovarian endometrioma, and 6 patients underwent DIE. INTERVENTION(S) Tissue samples were obtained from patients who underwent surgical procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Immunostaining for phospho-ERα S118, ERα, or phosphorylated p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (phospho-p44/42 MAPK) was performed to evaluate the endometrium with or without endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and DIE. For in vitro analysis, endometrial epithelial cells (Ishikawa cells) were stimulated with estradiol (E2) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and the expression levels of phospho-ERα S118 and phospho-p44/42 MAPK were evaluated via Western blotting. RESULT(S) First, phospho-ERα S118 level was significantly higher in the glands and stroma of ovarian endometriosis samples than in those of endometrial and DIE samples. Second, colocalization of phospho-p44/42 MAPK and phospho-ERα S118 was observed in the glands of ovarian endometrioma. The proportions of cells strongly expressing phospho-p44/42 and phospho-ERα were 87% in phosphor-p44/42 MAPK-positive cells and 79% in phosphor-ERα-positive cells. Third, E2 stimulation significantly enhanced phospho-ERα S118 after 15 and 30 minutes in in vitro analysis using endometrial epithelial cells. Fourth, TNFα stimulation modestly but significantly enhanced phospho-ERα S118 after 15 and 30 minutes. Fifth, in Ishikawa cells, treatment with a p44/42 inhibitor (PD98059) significantly reduced phospho-ERα S118 by TNFα but not by E2. CONCLUSION(S) ERα-S118 phosphorylation was increased in ovarian endometriosis. Our findings may provide a new perspective for understanding the mechanism of increased ERα action in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hirata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Doai Kinen Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kaori Koga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Arakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsuki Nagashima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Neriishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohammed Elsherbini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiko Maki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gentaro Izumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Harada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hirota
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Wada-Hiraike
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Osuga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kato S, McFall T, Takahashi K, Bamel K, Ikeda S, Eskander RN, Plaxe S, Parker B, Stites E, Kurzrock R. KRAS-Mutated, Estrogen Receptor-Positive Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Unraveling an Exceptional Response Mystery. Oncologist 2021; 26:e530-e536. [PMID: 33528846 PMCID: PMC8018312 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We report on a woman with aggressive estrogen receptor‐positive, KRAS‐mutated ovarian cancer who achieved a remarkable response to combination therapy with the MEK inhibitor (trametinib) and the aromatase inhibitor (letrozole), even though the disease had failed to respond to a combination of a PI3K inhibitor and different MEK inhibitor, as well as to trametinib and the estrogen modulator, tamoxifen, and to letrozole by itself. The mechanism of action for exceptional response was elucidated by in vitro experiments that demonstrated that the fact that tamoxifen can have an agonistic effect in addition to antagonist activity, whereas letrozole results only in estrogen depletion was crucial to the response achieved when letrozole was combined with an MEK inhibitor. Our current observations indicate that subtle variations in mechanisms of action of outwardly similar regimens may have a major impact on outcome and that such translational knowledge is critical for optimizing a precision medicine strategy. Key Points This report describes the remarkable response of a patient with KRAS‐mutated, estrogen receptor‐positive low‐grade serous ovarian cancer treated with trametinib (MEK inhibitor) and letrozole (aromatase inhibitor), despite prior progression on similar agents including tamoxifen (estrogen modulator). In vitro investigation revealed that tamoxifen can have agonistic in addition to antagonistic effects, which could be the reason for the patient not responding to the combination of trametinib and tamoxifen. The current observations suggest that drugs with different mechanisms of action targeting the same receptor may have markedly different anticancer activity when used in combinations.
This article reports the case of a patient with aggressive estrogen receptor‐positive, KRAS‐mutated ovarian cancer who achieved a remarkable response to combination therapy with the MEK inhibitor trametinib and the aromatase inhibitor letrozole, despite earlier failures of treatment with other combination inhibitor treatment. This article focuses on the possibility that subtle variations in mechanisms of action of outwardly similar regimens may have major effects on patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Thomas McFall
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kenta Takahashi
- Cancer Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Medical Hospital Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kasey Bamel
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sadakatsu Ikeda
- Cancer Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Medical Hospital Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ramez N Eskander
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Steven Plaxe
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Barbara Parker
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Edward Stites
- Integrative Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Razelle Kurzrock
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ferreira Almeida C, Oliveira A, João Ramos M, Fernandes PA, Teixeira N, Amaral C. Estrogen receptor-positive (ER +) breast cancer treatment: Are multi-target compounds the next promising approach? Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113989. [PMID: 32330493 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is currently the main therapeutic approach for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, the most frequent subtype of breast cancer in women worldwide. For this subtype of tumors, the current clinical treatment includes aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and anti-estrogenic compounds, such as Tamoxifen and Fulvestrant, being AIs the first-line treatment option for post-menopausal women. Moreover, the recent guidelines also suggest the use of these compounds by pre-menopausal women after suppressing ovaries function. However, besides its therapeutic efficacy, the prolonged use of this type of therapies may lead to the development of several adverse effects, as well as, endocrine resistance, limiting the effectiveness of such treatments. In order to surpass this issues and clinical concerns, during the last years, several studies have been suggesting alternative therapeutic approaches, considering the function of aromatase, ERα and ERβ. Here, we review the structural and functional features of these three targets and their importance in ER+ breast cancer treatment, as well as, the current treatment strategies used in clinic, emphasizing the importance of the development of multi-target compounds able to simultaneously modulate these key targets, as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for this type of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Ferreira Almeida
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Oliveira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Computational Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Ramos
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Computational Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Fernandes
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Computational Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Amaral
- UCIBIO.REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kruger DT, Alexi X, Opdam M, Schuurman K, Voorwerk L, Sanders J, van der Noort V, Boven E, Zwart W, Linn SC. IGF-1R pathway activation as putative biomarker for linsitinib therapy to revert tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:2348-2359. [PMID: 31490549 PMCID: PMC7065127 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical studies indicate that activated IGF-1R can drive endocrine resistance in ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but its clinical relevance is unknown. We studied the effect of IGF-1R signaling on tamoxifen benefit in patients and we searched for approaches to overcome IGF-1R-mediated tamoxifen failure in cell lines. Primary tumor blocks from postmenopausal ER+ breast cancer patients randomized between adjuvant tamoxifen versus nil were recollected. Immunohistochemistry for IGF-1R, p-IGF-1R/InsR, p-ERα(Ser118), p-ERα(Ser167) and PI3K/MAPK pathway proteins was performed. Multivariate Cox models were employed to assess tamoxifen efficacy. The association between p-IGF-1R/InsR and PI3K/MAPK pathway activation in MCF-7 and T47D cells was analyzed with Western blots. Cell proliferation experiments were performed under various growth-stimulating and -inhibiting conditions. Patients with ER+, IGF-1R-positive breast cancer without p-IGF-1R/InsR staining (n = 242) had tamoxifen benefit (HR 0.41, p = 0.0038), while the results for p-IGF-1R/InsR-positive patients (n = 125) were not significant (HR 0.95, p = 0.3). High p-ERα(Ser118) or p-ERα(Ser167) expression was associated with less tamoxifen benefit. In MCF-7 cells, IGF-1R stimulation increased phosphorylation of PI3K/MAPK proteins and ERα(Ser167) regardless of IGF-1R overexpression. This could be abrogated by the dual IGF-1R/InsR inhibitor linsitinib, but not by the IGF-IR-selective antibody 1H7. In MCF-7 and T47D cells, stimulation of the IGF-1R/InsR pathway resulted in cell proliferation regardless of tamoxifen. Abrogation of cell growth was regained by addition of linsitinib. In conclusion, p-IGF-1R/InsR positivity in ER+ breast cancer is associated with reduced benefit from adjuvant tamoxifen in postmenopausal patients. In cell lines, stimulation rather than overexpression of IGF-1R is driving tamoxifen resistance to be abrogated by linsitinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinja T Kruger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam/Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xanthippi Alexi
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Opdam
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karianne Schuurman
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leonie Voorwerk
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joyce Sanders
- Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent van der Noort
- Division of Biometrics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Epie Boven
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam/Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine C Linn
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, The National Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Manna PR, Molehin D, Ahmed AU. Dysregulation of Aromatase in Breast, Endometrial, and Ovarian Cancers: An Overview of Therapeutic Strategies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 144:487-537. [PMID: 27865465 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of estrogens, which play crucial roles on a spectrum of developmental and physiological processes. The biological actions of estrogens are classically mediated by binding to two estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ. Encoded by the cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP19A1) gene, aromatase is expressed in a wide variety of tissues, as well as benign and malignant tumors, and is regulated in a pathway- and tissue-specific manner. Overexpression of aromatase, leading to elevated systemic levels of estrogen, is unequivocally linked to the pathogenesis and growth of a number malignancies, including breast, endometrium, and ovarian cancers. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are routinely used to treat estrogen-dependent breast cancers in postmenopausal women; however, their roles in endometrial and ovarian cancers remain obscure. While AI therapy is effective in hormone sensitive cancers, they diminish estrogen production throughout the body and, thus, generate undesirable side effects. Despite the effectiveness of AI therapy, resistance to endocrine therapy remains a major concern and is the leading cause of cancer death. Considerable advances, toward mitigating these issues, have evolved in conjunction with a number of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors for countering an assortment of diseases and cancers, including the aforesaid malignancies. HDACs are a family of enzymes that are frequently dysregulated in human tumors. This chapter will discuss the current understanding of aberrant regulation and expression of aromatase in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, and potential therapeutic strategies for prevention and treatment of these life-threatening diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P R Manna
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States.
| | - D Molehin
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - A U Ahmed
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cohen PA, Donini CF, Nguyen NT, Lincet H, Vendrell JA. The dark side of ZNF217, a key regulator of tumorigenesis with powerful biomarker value. Oncotarget 2016; 6:41566-81. [PMID: 26431164 PMCID: PMC4747174 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The recently described oncogene ZNF217 belongs to a chromosomal region that is frequently amplified in human cancers. Recent findings have revealed that alternative mechanisms such as epigenetic regulation also govern the expression of the encoded ZNF217 protein. Newly discovered molecular functions of ZNF217 indicate that it orchestrates complex intracellular circuits as a new key regulator of tumorigenesis. In this review, we focus on recent research on ZNF217-driven molecular functions in human cancers, revisiting major hallmarks of cancer and highlighting the downstream molecular targets and signaling pathways of ZNF217. We also discuss the exciting translational medicine investigating ZNF217 expression levels as a new powerful biomarker, and ZNF217 as a candidate target for future anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pascale A Cohen
- ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Caterina F Donini
- ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Nhan T Nguyen
- ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Hubert Lincet
- ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Julie A Vendrell
- ISPB, Faculté de Pharmacie, Lyon, France.,Université Lyon 1, Lyon, France.,INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chan HJ, Petrossian K, Chen S. Structural and functional characterization of aromatase, estrogen receptor, and their genes in endocrine-responsive and -resistant breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 161:73-83. [PMID: 26277097 PMCID: PMC4752924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase and estrogen receptor α (ER) are two key proteins for the proliferation of endocrine-responsive and -resistant breast cancers. Aromatase is an enzyme involved in the conversion of androgen (such as testosterone) to estrogen (such as 17β-estradiol). It is also a very effective therapeutic target for the treatment of endocrine-responsive breast cancer. Comparing endocrine-responsive and -resistant breast cancer, aromatase protein levels do not change significantly. Aromatase activity; however, can be increased via PI3K/Akt/IGFR signaling pathways in endocrine resistant cells. The activity of aromatase has been reported to be modulated by phosphorylation. The ER is an important steroid nuclear receptor in the proliferation of both endocrine-responsive and -resistant cells. Although the mutation or amplification of ER can cause endocrine resistance, it is not commonly found. Some point mutations and translocation events have been characterized and shown to promote estrogen-independent growth. Phosphorylation by cross-talk with growth factor pathways is one of the main mechanisms for ligand-independent activation of ER. Taken together, both ER and aromatase are important in ER-dependent breast cancer and the development of endocrine resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hei Jason Chan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Karineh Petrossian
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Shiuan Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Anbalagan M, Rowan BG. Estrogen receptor alpha phosphorylation and its functional impact in human breast cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 418 Pt 3:264-72. [PMID: 25597633 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and homeostasis in various tissues. Sustained exposure to estrogen/estradiol (E2) increases the risk of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers. ERα function is also regulated by phosphorylation through various kinase signaling pathways that will impact various ERα functions including chromatin interaction, coregulator recruitment and gene expression, as well impact breast tumor growth/morphology and breast cancer patient response to endocrine therapy. However, many of the previously characterized ERα phosphorylation sites do not fully explain the impact of receptor phosphorylation on ERα function. This review discusses work from our laboratory toward understanding a role of ERα site-specific phosphorylation in ERα function and breast cancer. The key findings discussed in this review are: (1) the effect of site specific ERα phosphorylation on temporal recruitment of ERα and unique coactivator complexes to specific genes; (2) the impact of stable disruption of ERα S118 and S167 phosphorylation in breast cancer cells on eliciting unique gene expression profiles that culminate in significant effects on breast cancer growth/morphology/migration/invasion; (3) the Src kinase signaling pathway that impacts ERα phosphorylation to alter ERα function; and (4) circadian disruption by light exposure at night leading to elevated ERK1/2 and Src kinase and phosphorylation of ERα, concomitant with tamoxifen resistance in breast tumor models. Results from these studies demonstrate that even changes to single ERα phosphorylation sites can have a profound impact on ERα function in breast cancer. Future work will extend beyond single site phosphorylation analysis toward identification of specific patterns/profiles of ERα phosphorylation under different physiological/pharmacological conditions to understand how common phosphorylation profiles in breast cancer program specific physiological endpoints such as growth, apoptosis, migration/invasion, and endocrine therapy response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muralidharan Anbalagan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Brian G Rowan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang Y, Niu XL, Guo XQ, Yang J, Li L, Qu Y, Xiu Hu C, Mao LQ, Wang D. IL6 induces TAM resistance via kinase-specific phosphorylation of ERα in OVCA cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2015; 54:351-61. [PMID: 25943392 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
About 40-60% of ovarian cancer (OVCA) cases express ERα, but only a small proportion of patients respond clinically to anti-estrogen treatment with estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist tamoxifen (TAM). The mechanism of TAM resistance in the course of OVCA progression remains unclear. However, IL6 plays a critical role in the development and progression of OVCA. Our recent results indicated that IL6 secreted by OVCA cells may promote the resistance of these cells to TAM via ER isoforms and steroid hormone receptor coactivator-1. Here we demonstrate that both exogenous (a relatively short period of treatment with recombinant IL6) and endogenous IL6 (generated as a result of transfection with a plasmid encoding sense IL6) increases expression of pERα-Ser118 and pERα-Ser167 in non-IL6-expressing A2780 cells, while deleting endogenous IL6 expression in IL6-overexpressing CAOV-3 cells (by transfection with a plasmid encoding antisense IL6) reduces expression of pERα-Ser118 and pERα-Ser167, indicating that IL6-induced TAM resistance may also be associated with increased expression of pERα-Ser118 and pERα-Ser167 in OVCA cells. Results of further investigation indicate that IL6 phosphorylates ERα at Ser118 and Ser167 by triggering activation of MEK/ERK and phosphotidylinositol 3 kinase/Akt signaling, respectively, to activate the ER pathway and thereby induce OVCA cells resistance to TAM. These results indicate that IL6 secreted by OVCA cells may also contribute to the refractoriness of these cells to TAM via the crosstalk between ER and IL6-mediated intracellular signal transduction cascades. Overexpression of IL6 not only plays an important role in OVCA progression but also promotes TAM resistance. Our results indicate that TAM-IL6-targeted adjunctive therapy may lead to a more effective intervention than TAM alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiu Long Niu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Qin Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Qu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Cun Xiu Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Qun Mao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Prevention and Control of Occupational and Environmental HazardTianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Pathogenic Biology and ImmunologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Dongli District, Huizhi Ring Road, Number 1, Tianjin 300309, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Infectious DiseasesAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of PharmacologyLogistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of ChinaDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsAffiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cui J, Yang Y, Li H, Leng Y, Qian K, Huang Q, Zhang C, Lu Z, Chen J, Sun T, Wu R, Sun Y, Song H, Wei X, Jing P, Yang X, Zhang C. MiR-873 regulates ERα transcriptional activity and tamoxifen resistance via targeting CDK3 in breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2014; 34:3895-907. [PMID: 25531331 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
miRNAs (microRNAs) are frequently and aberrantly expressed in many cancers. MiR-873 has been revealed to be downregulated in colorectal cancer and glioblastoma. However, its function remains unclear. Here we report that miR-873 is downregulated in breast tumor compared with normal tissue. Enforced expression of miR-873 decreases the transcriptional activity of ER (estrogen receptor)-α but not ERβ through the modulation of ERα phosphorylation in ER-positive breast cancer cells. We also found that miR-873 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth in nude mice. Reporter gene assays revealed cyclin-dependent kinase 3 (CDK3) as a direct target of miR-873. CDK3 was shown to be overexpressed in breast cancer and phosphorylate ERα at Ser104/116 and Ser118. Furthermore, we found that Mir-873 inhibits ER activity and cell growth via targeting CDK3. Interestingly, miR-873 was observed to be downregulated in tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7/TamR cells, while CDK3 is overexpressed in these cells. More importantly, re-expression of miR-873 reversed tamoxifen resistance in MCF-7/TamR cells. Our data demonstrate that miR-873 is a novel tumor suppressor in ER-positive breast cancer and a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Cui
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y Yang
- Beijing Institute for Neuroscience, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - H Li
- Department of Molecular & Biomedical Pharmacology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Y Leng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - K Qian
- The Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, China
| | - Q Huang
- Department of Animal Sciences and Technology, Jilin Agriculture University, Changchun, China
| | - C Zhang
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Z Lu
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - J Chen
- Urology Department, the First Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - T Sun
- Urology Department, the First Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - R Wu
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Y Sun
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - H Song
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - X Wei
- Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Chemistry & Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - P Jing
- Department of Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN, USA
| | - X Yang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, China
| | - C Zhang
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pedersen AM, Thrane S, Lykkesfeldt AE, Yde CW. Sorafenib and nilotinib resensitize tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cells to tamoxifen treatment via estrogen receptor α. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:2167-75. [PMID: 25175082 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen‑resistant breast cancer is a major clinical problem and new treatment strategies are highly warranted. In this study, the multitargeting kinase inhibitors sorafenib and nilotinib were investigated as potential new treatment options for tamoxifen‑resistant breast cancer. The two compounds inhibited cell growth, reduced expression of total estrogen receptor α (ER), Ser118-phosphorylated ER, FOXA1 and AIB1 and resensitized tamoxifen‑resistant cells to tamoxifen. The ER downmodulator fulvestrant exerted strong growth inhibition of tamoxifen‑resistant cells and addition of sorafenib and nilotinib could not further suppress growth, showing that sorafenib and nilotinib exerted growth inhibition via ER. In support of this, estradiol prevented sorafenib and nilotinib mediated growth inhibition. These results demonstrate that sorafenib and nilotinib act via ER and ER-associated proteins, indicating that these kinase inhibitors in combination with tamoxifen may be potential new treatments for tamoxifen‑resistant breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M Pedersen
- Breast Cancer Group, Cell Death and Metabolism, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Susan Thrane
- Breast Cancer Group, Cell Death and Metabolism, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne E Lykkesfeldt
- Breast Cancer Group, Cell Death and Metabolism, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Christina W Yde
- Breast Cancer Group, Cell Death and Metabolism, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
A functional interplay between ZNF217 and estrogen receptor alpha exists in luminal breast cancers. Mol Oncol 2014; 8:1441-57. [PMID: 24973012 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed at highlighting the role of ZNF217, a Krüppel-like finger protein, in Estrogen Receptor-α (ERα)-positive (ER+) and luminal breast cancers. Here we report for the first time that ZNF217 and ERα proteins bind to each other in both breast cancer cells and breast tumour samples, via the ERα hinge domain and the ZNF217 C-terminal domain. ZNF217 enhances the recruitment of ERα to its estrogen response elements (ERE) and the ERα-dependent transcription of the GREB1 estrogen-regulated gene. The prognostic power of ZNF217 mRNA expression levels is most discriminatory in breast cancers classified with a "good prognosis", particularly the Luminal-A subclass. A new immunohistochemistry ZNF217 index, based on nuclear and cytoplasmic ZNF217 staining, also allowed the identification of intermediate/poor relapse-free survivors in the Luminal-A subgroup. ZNF217 confers tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer cells and is a predictor of relapse under endocrine therapy in patients with ER+ breast cancer. ZNF217 thus allows the re-stratification of patients with ER+ breast cancers considered as cancers with good prognosis where no other biomarkers are currently available and widely used. Here we propose a model in ER+ breast cancer where ZNF217-driven aggressiveness incorporates ZNF217 as a positive enhancer of ERα direct genomic activity and where ZNF217 possesses its highest discriminatory prognostic value.
Collapse
|
14
|
Viedma-Rodríguez R, Baiza-Gutman L, Salamanca-Gómez F, Diaz-Zaragoza M, Martínez-Hernández G, Ruiz Esparza-Garrido R, Velázquez-Flores MA, Arenas-Aranda D. Mechanisms associated with resistance to tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (review). Oncol Rep 2014; 32:3-15. [PMID: 24841429 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-estrogens such as tamoxifen are widely used in the clinic to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast tumors. Patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer initially respond to treatment with anti-hormonal agents such as tamoxifen, but remissions are often followed by the acquisition of resistance and, ultimately, disease relapse. The development of a rationale for the effective treatment of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer requires an understanding of the complex signal transduction mechanisms. In the present study, we explored some mechanisms associated with resistance to tamoxifen, such as pharmacologic mechanisms, loss or modification in estrogen receptor expression, alterations in co-regulatory proteins and the regulation of the different signaling pathways that participate in different cellular processes such as survival, proliferation, stress, cell cycle, inhibition of apoptosis regulated by the Bcl-2 family, autophagy, altered expression of microRNA, and signaling pathways that regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the tumor microenvironment. Delineation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of resistance may aid in the development of treatment strategies to enhance response and compromise resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubí Viedma-Rodríguez
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Medical Research Unit in Human Genetics, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center Century XXI (CMN-SXXI), Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luis Baiza-Gutman
- Unit of Morphology and Function, Faculty of Higher Studies (FES) Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Los Reyes Iztacala, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Fabio Salamanca-Gómez
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Medical Research Unit in Human Genetics, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center Century XXI (CMN-SXXI), Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Guadalupe Martínez-Hernández
- Unit of Morphology and Function, Faculty of Higher Studies (FES) Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Los Reyes Iztacala, State of Mexico, Mexico
| | - Ruth Ruiz Esparza-Garrido
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Medical Research Unit in Human Genetics, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center Century XXI (CMN-SXXI), Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Velázquez-Flores
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Medical Research Unit in Human Genetics, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center Century XXI (CMN-SXXI), Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diego Arenas-Aranda
- Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Medical Research Unit in Human Genetics, Pediatric Hospital, National Medical Center Century XXI (CMN-SXXI), Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu Y, Sun Q. Headway in resistance to endocrine therapy in breast cancer. J Thorac Dis 2012; 2:171-7. [PMID: 22263039 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2010.02.03.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to endocrine therapy is the major problem for ERα(+) breast cancer patients. Research in endocrine resistance, mainly based on breast cancer cell lines and transplantation animal models, has indicated that phosphorylation of estrogen receptors, high expression of SRC and high activation of ErbB/MAPK pathway are the 3 main mechanisms for occurrence of endocrine resistance. Restoration of ER expression and exploration of inhibitors to various biological targets are the 2 promising ways to solve this problem. Further research is needed to deeply explore relevant mechanisms and resolvents so as to guide clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yali Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, PR China
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Houtman R, de Leeuw R, Rondaij M, Melchers D, Verwoerd D, Ruijtenbeek R, Martens JW, Neefjes J, Michalides R. Serine-305 Phosphorylation Modulates Estrogen Receptor Alpha Binding to a Coregulator Peptide Array, with Potential Application in Predicting Responses to Tamoxifen. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:805-16. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
17
|
de Leeuw R, Neefjes J, Michalides R. A role for estrogen receptor phosphorylation in the resistance to tamoxifen. Int J Breast Cancer 2011; 2011:232435. [PMID: 22295213 PMCID: PMC3262574 DOI: 10.4061/2011/232435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
About two thirds of all human breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor positive. The drug of first choice for these patients is tamoxifen. However, about half of the recurrences after removal of the primary tumor are or become resistant to this drug. While many mechanisms have been identified for tamoxifen resistance in the lab, at present only a few have been translated to the clinic. This paper highlights the role in tamoxifen resistance of phosphorylation by different kinases on different sites of the estrogen receptor. We will discuss the molecular pathways and kinases that are involved in phosphorylation of ERα and how these affect tamoxifen resistance. Finally, we will elaborate on the clinical translation of these observations and the possibility to predict tamoxifen responses in patient tumor samples before treatment onset. The findings made originally on the bench may translate into a better and personalized treatment of breast cancer patients using an old and safe anticancer drug: tamoxifen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renée de Leeuw
- Department of Cell Biology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thollet A, Vendrell JA, Payen L, Ghayad SE, Ben Larbi S, Grisard E, Collins C, Villedieu M, Cohen PA. ZNF217 confers resistance to the pro-apoptotic signals of paclitaxel and aberrant expression of Aurora-A in breast cancer cells. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:291. [PMID: 21059223 PMCID: PMC2996367 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ZNF217 is a candidate oncogene located at 20q13, a chromosomal region frequently amplified in breast cancers. The precise mechanisms involved in ZNF217 pro-survival function are currently unknown, and utmost importance is given to deciphering the role of ZNF217 in cancer therapy response. RESULTS We provide evidence that stable overexpression of ZNF217 in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells conferred resistance to paclitaxel, stimulated cell proliferation in vitro associated with aberrant expression of several cyclins, and increased tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. Conversely, siRNA-mediated silencing of ZNF217 expression in MCF7 breast cancer cells, which possess high endogenous levels of ZNF217, led to decreased cell proliferation and increased sensitivity to paclitaxel. The paclitaxel resistance developed by ZNF217-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells was not mediated by the ABCB1/PgP transporter. However, ZNF217 was able to counteract the apoptotic signals mediated by paclitaxel as a consequence of alterations in the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through constitutive deregulation of the balance of Bcl-2 family proteins. Interestingly, ZNF217 expression levels were correlated with the oncogenic kinase Aurora-A expression levels, as ZNF217 overexpression led to increased expression of the Aurora-A protein, whereas ZNF217 silencing was associated with low Aurora-A expression levels. We showed that a potent Aurora-A kinase inhibitor was able to reverse paclitaxel resistance in the ZNF217-overexpressing cells. CONCLUSION Altogether, these data suggest that ZNF217 might play an important role in breast neoplastic progression and chemoresistance, and that Aurora-A might be involved in ZNF217-mediated effects.
Collapse
|
19
|
Caldon CE, Musgrove EA. Distinct and redundant functions of cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 in development and cancer. Cell Div 2010; 5:2. [PMID: 20180967 PMCID: PMC2835679 DOI: 10.1186/1747-1028-5-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 01/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The highly conserved E-type cyclins are core components of the cell cycle machinery, facilitating the transition into S phase through activation of the cyclin dependent kinases, and assembly of pre-replication complexes on DNA. Cyclin E1 and cyclin E2 are assumed to be functionally redundant, as cyclin E1-/- E2-/- mice are embryonic lethal while cyclin E1-/- and E2-/- single knockout mice have primarily normal phenotypes. However more detailed studies of the functions and regulation of the E-cyclins have unveiled potential additional roles for these proteins, such as in endoreplication and meiosis, which are more closely associated with either cyclin E1 or cyclin E2. Moreover, expression of each E-cyclin can be independently regulated by distinct transcription factors and microRNAs, allowing for context-specific expression. Furthermore, cyclins E1 and E2 are frequently expressed independently of one another in human cancer, with unique associations to signatures of poor prognosis. These data imply an absence of co-regulation of cyclins E1 and E2 during tumorigenesis and possibly different contributions to cancer progression. This is supported by in vitro data identifying divergent regulation of the two genes, as well as potentially different roles in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Elizabeth Caldon
- Cancer Research Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ghayad SE, Vendrell JA, Ben Larbi S, Dumontet C, Bieche I, Cohen PA. Endocrine resistance associated with activated ErbB system in breast cancer cells is reversed by inhibiting MAPK or PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Int J Cancer 2010; 126:545-62. [PMID: 19609946 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine therapy resistance is one of the main challenges in the treatment of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer patients. This study showed that two ER+ human breast carcinoma cell lines derived from MCF-7 (MVLN cells) that have acquired under OH-Tamoxifen selection two distinct phenotypes of endocrine resistance both displayed constitutive activation of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Aberrant expression and activation of the ErbB system (phospho-EGFR, phospho-ErbB2, phospho-ErbB3, over-expression of ErbB4 and over-expression of several ErbB ligands) were also observed in the two resistant cell lines, suggesting the existence of an autocrine loop leading to constitutive activation of MAPK and PI3K/Akt survival pathways. The recent clinical use of specific signal transduction inhibitors is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches in breast cancers. The MEK inhibitor PD98059 and the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 were both able to enhance the cytostatic effect of OH-Tamoxifen or fulvestrant on MVLN sensitive cells. In the two resistant cell lines, inhibition of the MAPK or the PI3K/Akt pathways associated with endocrine therapy was sufficient to reverse OH-Tamoxifen or fulvestrant resistance. Investigating the effect of a combination of both inhibitors on the reversion of OH-Tamoxifen and fulvestrant resistance in the two resistant cell lines suggested that, in clinical practice, a strategy combining the two inhibitors would be the best approach to target the different endocrine resistance phenotypes possibly present in a tumor. In conclusion, the combination of MAPK and PI3K inhibitors represents a promising strategy to overcome endocrine therapy resistance in ER+ breast cancer patients.
Collapse
|
21
|
Tu SH, Chang CC, Chen CS, Tam KW, Wang YJ, Lee CH, Lin HW, Cheng TC, Huang CS, Chu JS, Shih NY, Chen LC, Leu SJ, Ho YS, Wu CH. Increased expression of enolase alpha in human breast cancer confers tamoxifen resistance in human breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009; 121:539-53. [PMID: 19655245 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-009-0492-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Enolase-alpha (ENO-1) is a key glycolytic enzyme that has been used as a diagnostic marker to identify human lung cancers. To investigate the role of ENO-1 in breast cancer diagnosis and therapy, the mRNA levels of ENO-1 in 244 tumor and normal paired tissue samples and 20 laser capture-microdissected cell clusters were examined by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Increased ENO-1 mRNA expression was preferentially detected in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) tumors (tumor/normal ratio >90-fold) when compared to ER-negative (tumor/normal ratio >20-fold) tumor tissues. The data presented here demonstrate that those patients whose tumors highly expressed ENO-1 had a poor prognosis with greater tumor size (>2 cm, *P = .017), poor nodal status (N > 3, *P = .018), and a shorter disease-free interval (<==1 year, *P < .009). We also found that higher-expressing ENO-1 tumors confer longer distance relapse (tumor/normal ratio = 82.8-92.4-fold) when compared to locoregional relapse (tumor/normal ratio = 43.4-fold) in postsurgical 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen (4-OHT)-treated ER+ patients (*P = .014). These data imply that changes in tumor ENO-1 levels are related to clinical 4-OHT therapeutic outcome. In vitro studies demonstrated that decreasing ENO-1 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly augmented 4-OHT (100 nM)-induced cytotoxicity in tamoxifen-resistant (Tam-R) breast cancer cells. These results suggest that downregulation of ENO-1 could be utilized as a novel pharmacological approach for overcoming 4-OHT resistance in breast cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsin Tu
- Department of Surgery, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
De Amicis F, Thirugnansampanthan J, Cui Y, Selever J, Beyer A, Parra I, Weigel NL, Herynk MH, Tsimelzon A, Lewis MT, Chamness GC, Hilsenbeck SG, Andò S, Fuqua SAW. Androgen receptor overexpression induces tamoxifen resistance in human breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009; 121:1-11. [PMID: 19533338 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-009-0436-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the androgen receptor (AR) is a known clinical target in prostate cancer, little is known about its possible role in breast cancer. We have investigated the role of AR expression in human breast cancer in response to treatment with the antiestrogen tamoxifen. Resistance to tamoxifen is a major problem in treating women with breast cancer. By gene expression profiling, we found elevated AR and reduced estrogen receptor (ER) alpha mRNA in tamoxifen-resistant tumors. Exogenous overexpression of AR rendered ERalpha-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells resistant to the growth-inhibitory effects of tamoxifen in anchorage-independent growth assays and in xenograft studies in athymic nude mice. AR-overexpressing cells remained sensitive to growth stimulation with dihydrotestosterone. Treatment with the AR antagonist Casodex (bicalutamide) reversed this resistance, demonstrating the involvement of AR signaling in tamoxifen resistance. In AR-overexpressing cells, tamoxifen induced transcriptional activation by ERalpha that could be blocked by Casodex, suggesting that AR overexpression enhances tamoxifen's agonistic properties. Our data suggest a role for AR overexpression as a novel mechanism of hormone resistance, so that AR may offer a new clinical therapeutic target in human breast cancers.
Collapse
|
23
|
Wickramasinghe NS, Manavalan TT, Dougherty SM, Riggs KA, Li Y, Klinge CM. Estradiol downregulates miR-21 expression and increases miR-21 target gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 37:2584-95. [PMID: 19264808 PMCID: PMC2677875 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 278] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Select changes in microRNA (miRNA) expression correlate with estrogen receptor α (ERα) expression in breast tumors. miR-21 is higher in ERα positive than negative tumors, but no one has examined how estradiol (E2) regulates miR-21 in breast cancer cells. Here we report that E2 inhibits miR-21 expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The E2-induced reduction in miR-21 was inhibited by 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT), ICI 182 780 (Faslodex), and siRNA ERα indicating that the suppression is ERα-mediated. ERα and ERβ agonists PPT and DPN inhibited and 4-OHT increased miR-21 expression. E2 increased luciferase activity from reporters containing the miR-21 recognition elements from the 3′-UTRs of miR-21 target genes, corroborating that E2 represses miR-21 expression resulting in a loss of target gene suppression. The E2-mediated decrease in miR-21 correlated with increased protein expression of endogenous miR-21-targets Pdcd4, PTEN and Bcl-2. siRNA knockdown of ERα blocked the E2-induced increase in Pdcd4, PTEN and Bcl-2. Transfection of MCF-7 cells with antisense (AS) to miR-21 mimicked the E2-induced increase in Pdcd4, PTEN and Bcl-2. These results are the first to demonstrate that E2 represses the expression of an oncogenic miRNA, miR-21, by activating estrogen receptor in MCF-7 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalinie S Wickramasinghe
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ghayad SE, Bieche I, Vendrell JA, Keime C, Lidereau R, Dumontet C, Cohen PA. mTOR inhibition reverses acquired endocrine therapy resistance of breast cancer cells at the cell proliferation and gene-expression levels. Cancer Sci 2008; 99:1992-2003. [PMID: 19016759 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2008.00955.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been shown to be associated with resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)-positive breast cancer patients. Utmost importance is attached to strategies aimed at overcoming treatment resistance. In this context, this work aimed to investigate whether, in breast cancer cells, the use of an mTOR inhibitor would be sufficient to reverse the resistance acquired after exposure to endocrine therapy. The ERalpha-positive human breast adenocarcinoma derived-MCF-7 cells used in this study have acquired both cross-resistance to hydroxy-tamoxifen (OH-Tam) and to fulvestrant and strong activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Cell proliferation tests in control cells demonstrated that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin enhanced cell sensitivity to endocrine therapy when combined to OH-Tam or to fulvestrant. In resistant cells, rapamycin used alone greatly inhibited cell proliferation and reversed resistance to endocrine therapy by blocking the agonist-like activity of OH-Tam on cell proliferation and bypassing fulvestrant resistance. Reversion of resistance by rapamycin was associated with increased ERalpha protein expression levels and modification of the balance of phospho-ser167 ERalpha/total ERalpha ratio. Pangenomic DNA array experiments demonstrated that the cotreatment of resistant cells with fulvestrant and rapamycin allowed the restoration of 40% of the fulvestrant gene-expression signature. Taken together, data presented herein strongly support the idea that mTOR inhibitor might be one of the promising therapeutic approaches for patients with ERalpha-positive endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancers.
Collapse
|
25
|
Vendrell JA, Robertson KE, Ravel P, Bray SE, Bajard A, Purdie CA, Nguyen C, Hadad SM, Bieche I, Chabaud S, Bachelot T, Thompson AM, Cohen PA. A candidate molecular signature associated with tamoxifen failure in primary breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2008; 10:R88. [PMID: 18928543 PMCID: PMC2614524 DOI: 10.1186/bcr2158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2008] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Few markers are available that can predict response to tamoxifen treatment in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers. Identification of such markers would be clinically useful. We attempted to identify molecular markers associated with tamoxifen failure in breast cancer. Methods Eighteen initially ER-positive patients treated with tamoxifen requiring salvage surgery (tamoxifen failure [TF] patients) were compared with 17 patients who were disease free 5 years after surgery plus tamoxifen adjuvant therapy (control patients). cDNA microarray, real-time quantitative PCR, and immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays were used to generate and confirm a gene signature associated with tamoxifen failure. An independent series of 33 breast tumor samples from patients who relapsed (n = 14) or did not relapse (n = 19) under tamoxifen treatment from a different geographic location was subsequently used to explore the gene expression signature identified. Results Using a screening set of 18 tumor samples (from eight control patients and 10 TF patients), a 47-gene signature discriminating between TF and control samples was identified using cDNA arrays. In addition to ESR1/ERα, the top-ranked genes selected by statistical cross-analyses were MET, FOS, SNCG, IGFBP4, and BCL2, which were subsequently validated in a larger set of tumor samples (from 17 control patients and 18 TF patients). Confirmation at the protein level by tissue microarray immunohistochemistry was observed for ER-α, γ-synuclein, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4 proteins in the 35 original samples. In an independent series of breast tumor samples (19 nonrelapsing and 14 relapsing), reduced expression of ESR1/ERα, IGFBP4, SNCG, BCL2, and FOS was observed in the relapsing group and was associated with a shorter overall survival. Low mRNA expression levels of ESR1/ERα, BCL2, and FOS were also associated with a shorter relapse-free survival (RFS). Using a Cox multivariate regression analysis, we identified BCL2 and FOS as independent prognostic markers associated with RFS. Finally, the BCL2/FOS signature was demonstrated to have more accurate prognostic value for RFS than ESR1/ERα alone (likelihood ratio test). Conclusions We identified molecular markers including a BCL2/FOS signature associated with tamoxifen failure; these markers may have clinical potential in the management of ER-positive breast cancer.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wang LS, Huang YW, Liu S, Yan P, Lin YC. Conjugated linoleic acid induces apoptosis through estrogen receptor alpha in human breast tissue. BMC Cancer 2008; 8:208. [PMID: 18652667 PMCID: PMC2517598 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-8-208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2008] [Accepted: 07/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a naturally occurring fatty acid found in ruminant products such as milk and beef, has been shown to possess anti-cancer activities in in vivo animal models and in vitro cell culture systems. In human breast cancer, the overall duration of estrogen exposure is the most important risk factor for developing estrogen-responsive breast cancer. Accordingly, it has been suggested that estrogen exposure reduces apoptosis through the up-regulation of the anti-apoptosis protein, Bcl-2. Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, regulates apoptosis and plays a crucial role in the development and growth regulation of normal and cancerous cells. Our research interest is to examine the effects of CLA on the induction of apoptosis in human breast tissues. Methods The localization of Bcl-2 in both normal and cancerous human breast tissues was determined by immunohistochemical staining and the Bcl-2 protein expression was tested by western blot analysis. Co-culture of epithelial cells and stromal cells was carried out in the presence or absence of CLA to evaluate apoptosis in the context of a cell-cell interaction. Results The results showed that both normal and cancerous breast tissues were positive for Bcl-2 staining, which was higher overall in mammary ducts but very low in the surrounding stromal compartment. Interestingly, by quantifying the western blot data, basal Bcl-2 protein levels were higher in normal breast epithelial cells than in cancerous epithelial cells. Furthermore, treatment with 17β-estradiol (E2) stimulated growth and up-regulated Bcl-2 expression in estrogen responsive breast epithelial cells; however, these carcinogenic effects were diminished by either CLA or 4-Hydroxytamoxifen (Tam) and were suppressed further by the combination of CLA and Tam. In both one cell type cultured and co-culture systems, CLA induced cell apoptosis in ERα transfected MDA-MB-231 cells but not in the wild type MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion These data, therefore, demonstrate that ERα plays important roles in CLA induced apoptosis in human breast tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shu Wang
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Niikawa H, Suzuki T, Miki Y, Suzuki S, Nagasaki S, Akahira J, Honma S, Evans DB, Hayashi SI, Kondo T, Sasano H. Intratumoral estrogens and estrogen receptors in human non-small cell lung carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:4417-26. [PMID: 18579664 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The possible involvement of gender-dependent factors has been suggested in human non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), but their precise roles remain largely unclear. Therefore, we examined intratumoral estradiol concentrations in NSCLC to examine local actions of estrogens in NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Fifty-nine frozen specimens of NSCLC were available for liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to study intratumoral estradiol concentrations. In addition, A549 NSCLC cells stably expressing estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (A549 + ERalpha) or ERbeta (A549 + ERbeta) were used in vitro studies. RESULTS Forty-three (73%) of 59 NSCLC showed higher concentration of estradiol in carcinoma tissues than the corresponding nonneoplastic lung tissues from the same patient, and intratumoral estradiol concentrations were significantly (P = 0.0002 and 2.2-fold) higher than the corresponding nonneoplastic lungs. The intratumoral concentration of estradiol was positively correlated with aromatase expression, tumor size, and Ki-67 status in ERalpha- or ERbeta-positive cases. In in vitro studies, estradiol significantly increased cell proliferation of A549 + ERalpha or A549 + ERbeta, which was significantly suppressed by selective ER modulators, tamoxifen or raloxifene. Both A549 + ERalpha and A549 + ERbeta cells expressed aromatase. The cell proliferation level in these cells was significantly increased under treatment with testosterone, and it was inhibited by addition of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that estradiol is locally produced in NSCLC mainly by aromatase and plays an important role in the growth of ERalpha- or ERbeta-positive NSCLC. Therefore, use of selective ER modulators and/or aromatase inhibitors may be clinically effective in NSCLC that are positive for both ER and aromatase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromichi Niikawa
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Badia E, Oliva J, Balaguer P, Cavaillès V. Tamoxifen resistance and epigenetic modifications in breast cancer cell lines. Curr Med Chem 2008; 14:3035-45. [PMID: 18220739 DOI: 10.2174/092986707782794023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms play crucial roles in many processes, including neoplasia, genomic imprinting, gene silencing, differentiation, embryogenesis and X chromosome inactivation. Their relevance in human disease and therapy has grown rapidly with the recent emergence of drugs that target for example DNA methylation or histone acetylation. Epigenetic effects were also recently highlighted by the deciphering of the mechanism of action of steroid hormones and anti-hormones acting through nuclear receptors. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic effects associated with long-term treatment of breast cancer cells with the antiestrogen (AE) tamoxifen, in the context of resistance appearance. We summarize the data obtained with a model cell line developed in our laboratory supporting a role for HP1 proteins in the irreversible inactivation of gene expression by long-term treatment with AE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Badia
- Université Montpellier I, Montpellier, F-34000 France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nicholson RI, Hutcheson IR, Jones HE, Hiscox SE, Giles M, Taylor KM, Gee JMW. Growth factor signalling in endocrine and anti-growth factor resistant breast cancer. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2007; 8:241-53. [PMID: 17486454 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-007-9033-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Growth factors provide powerful mitogenic and survival signals to breast cancer cells and it is therefore not surprising that they are able to subvert inhibitory responses to anti-hormonal drugs. In this review we discuss several mechanisms by which this may be achieved and expand our observations to encompass recently emerging anti-growth factor treatments. The information presented is underpinned by inhibitor studies that show the targeting of such mechanisms in advance of anti-hormone or anti-growth factor resistance development is able to substantially delay this event, thus pointing the way forward to intelligent combination therapies relevant to the future management of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R I Nicholson
- Tenovus Centre for Cancer Research, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vendrell JA, Ghayad S, Ben-Larbi S, Dumontet C, Mechti N, Cohen PA. A20/TNFAIP3, a new estrogen-regulated gene that confers tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells. Oncogene 2007; 26:4656-67. [PMID: 17297453 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The zinc-finger protein A20/TNFAIP3, an inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation, has been shown to protect MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells from TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. As estrogen receptor (ER) status is an important parameter in the development and progression of breast cancer, we analysed the effect of 17beta-estradiol (E2) treatment on the expression of A20. We found that A20 is a new E2-regulated gene, whose expression correlates with ER expression in both cell lines and tumor samples. With the aim of investigating the impact of A20 expression on MCF-7 cells in response to ER ligands, we established stably transfected-MCF-7 cells overexpressing A20 (MCF-7-A20). These cells exhibited a phenotype of resistance to the 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen cytostatic and pro-apoptotic actions and of hyper-response to E2. Dysregulations in bax, bcl2, bak, phospho-bad, cyclin D1, cyclin E2, cyclin D2 and cyclin A2 proteins expression were shown to be related to the resistant phenotype developed by the MCF-7-A20 cells. Interestingly, we found that A20 was also overexpressed in MVLN and VP tamoxifen-resistant cell lines. Furthermore, high A20 expression levels were observed in more aggressive breast tumors (ER-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and high histological grade). These overall findings strongly suggest that A20 is a key protein involved in tamoxifen resistance, and thus represents both a new breast cancer marker and a promising target for developing new strategies to prevent the emergence of acquired mechanisms of drug resistance in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Vendrell
- CNRS UMR 5160, Centre de Pharmacologie et Biotechnologie pour la Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shaw LE, Sadler AJ, Pugazhendhi D, Darbre PD. Changes in oestrogen receptor-alpha and -beta during progression to acquired resistance to tamoxifen and fulvestrant (Faslodex, ICI 182,780) in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 99:19-32. [PMID: 16533599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2005] [Accepted: 11/14/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell culture models of antioestrogen resistance often involve applying selective pressures of oestrogen deprivation simultaneously with addition of tamoxifen or fulvestrant (Faslodex, ICI 182,780) which makes it difficult to distinguish events in development of antioestrogen resistance from those in loss of response to oestrogen or other components. We describe here time courses of loss of antioestrogen response using either oestrogen-maintained or oestrogen-deprived MCF7 cells in which the only alteration to the culture medium was addition of 10(-6) M tamoxifen or 10(-7) M fulvestrant. In both oestrogen-maintained and oestrogen-deprived models, loss of growth response to tamoxifen was not associated with loss of response to fulvestrant. However, loss of growth response to fulvestrant was associated in both models with concomitant loss of growth response to tamoxifen. Measurement of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and oestrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) mRNA by real-time RT-PCR together with ERalpha and ERbeta protein by Western immunoblotting revealed substantial changes to ERalpha levels but very little alteration to ERbeta levels following development of antioestrogen resistance. In oestrogen-maintained cells, tamoxifen resistance was associated with raised levels of ERalpha mRNA/protein. However by contrast, in oestrogen-deprived MCF7 cells, where oestrogen deprivation alone had already resulted in increased levels of ERalpha mRNA/protein, long-term tamoxifen exposure now reduced ERalpha levels. Whilst long-term exposure to fulvestrant reduced ERalpha mRNA/protein levels in the oestrogen-maintained cells to a level barely detectable by Western immunoblotting and non-functional in inducing gene expression (ERE-LUC reporter or pS2), in oestrogen-deprived cells the reduction was much less substantial and these cells retained an oestrogen-induction of both the ERE-LUC reporter gene and the endogenous pS2 gene which could still be inhibited by antioestrogen. This demonstrates that whilst ERalpha can be abrogated by fulvestrant and increased by tamoxifen in some circumstances, this does not always hold true and mechanisms other than alteration to ER must be involved in the development of antioestrogen resistant growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L E Shaw
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6AJ, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Crowe DL, Lee MK. New role for nuclear hormone receptors and coactivators in regulation of BRCA1-mediated DNA repair in breast cancer cell lines. Breast Cancer Res 2005; 8:R1. [PMID: 16417649 PMCID: PMC1413977 DOI: 10.1186/bcr1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2005] [Revised: 09/01/2005] [Accepted: 11/02/2005] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 is involved in the repair of double-strand breaks induced by ionizing radiation and chemotherapy drugs. BRCA1 interacts with coactivators such as p300 and CREB-binding protein (CBP) to activate target gene transcription. Estrogen and retinoic acid receptors (ER and RAR) also require coactivator proteins for their ligand-dependent functions. Few studies have suggested a role for nuclear hormone receptors in DNA repair. METHODS DNA damage and repair activity were quantified with the use of single-cell gel electrophoresis and plasmid end-joining assays. Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were determined by bromodeoxyuridine and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling assays. Stable transfection was accomplished with the lipofection procedure. Protein interaction and expression were determined by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. RESULTS 17beta-estradiol (E2) and all-trans retinoic acid (RA) had opposing effects on DNA damage and breast cancer cell survival after double-strand break damage. Treatment with E2, but not with RA, resulted in complex formation between ERalpha, CBP, and BRCA1 in ER-positive cell lines. Mutant BRCA1 reduced the expression and activity of DNA damage repair proteins but did not block nuclear hormone-dependent effects. Mutant BRCA1 failed to form complexes with ERalpha and CBP, which correlated with its ability to exert E2-independent effects on DNA repair. Mutant BRCA1 inhibited cell cycle progression and produced increased survival in cells with double-strand breaks. Ectopic ERalpha expression reproduced the E2-mediated effects on DNA damage, repair, and survival. CONCLUSION The present study proposes a new mechanism by which ER and RAR regulate BRCA1-mediated DNA repair by means of CBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Crowe
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Matt K Lee
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Britton DJ, Hutcheson IR, Knowlden JM, Barrow D, Giles M, McClelland RA, Gee JMW, Nicholson RI. Bidirectional cross talk between ERalpha and EGFR signalling pathways regulates tamoxifen-resistant growth. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2005; 96:131-46. [PMID: 16261397 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-005-9070-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2005] [Accepted: 09/06/2005] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) modulates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling efficiency in a tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cell line (Tam-R). In the present study we have investigated whether this cross-talk between EGFR/MAPK and ERalpha signalling pathways is bidirectional by examining the effects of EGFR/MAPK activity on ER functionality in the same cell line. Elevated expression levels of phosphorylated serine 118 (S118) ERalpha were observed in the Tam-R compared to the parental wild type MCF-7 cell line (WT-MCF-7) under basal growth conditions. Phosphorylation of ERalpha at S118 was regulated by the EGFR/MAPK pathway in Tam-R cells being increased in response to amphiregulin (AR) and inhibited by the selective EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor, gefitinib and the MEK1/2 inhibitor, PD184352. Recruitment of the co-activators p68 RNA helicase and SRC1 to ERalpha, oestrogen response element (ERE) activity and Tam-R cell growth were similarly EGFR/MAPK-regulated. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) studies revealed that in Tam-R cells the ERalpha assembled on the AR gene promoter and this was associated with elevated basal expression of AR mRNA. Furthermore, AR mRNA expression was under the regulation of the EGFR/MAPK and ERalpha signalling pathways. Neutralising antibodies to AR inhibited EGFR/ERK1/2 activity, reduced S118 ERalpha phosphorylation and reduced AR mRNA expression in TAM-R cells. These findings suggest that ERalpha function in Tam-R cells is maintained as a consequence of EGFR/MAPK-mediated phosphorylation at serine residue 118 resulting in the generation of a self-propogating autocrine growth-regulatory loop through the ERalpha-mediated production of AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D J Britton
- Tenovus Centre for Cancer Research, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|