Modelling the procoagulatory effect of Anastrozole relative to ERα and ERβ expression in breast cancer cells

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis - Anastrozole is commonly used for the treatment of oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer but can increase thromboembolic risk. It is unclear if ER...     

Tumorigenicity of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells lacking the p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase

We have generated cell lines with significantly reduced expression of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), Min-p38 MAPK cells, and used these cells to investigate p38 MAPK's role in tumorigenesis of breast cancer cells. MCF-7 cells were stably transfected with a plasmid producing small interfering RNA that inhibited the expression of p38 MAPK. Control cells were stably transfected with the same plasmid producing non-interfering RNA. The reduction in the p38 MAPK activity caused a significant increase in the expressions of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and the progesterone receptor, but eliminated the expression of ERβ. Min-p38 MAPK cells showed an enhanced overall growth response to 17β-estradiol (E?), whereas GH plus epidermal growth factor were largely ineffective growth stimulators in these cells compared to controls. Although the long-term net growth rate of the Min-p38 MAPK cells was increased in response to E?, their proliferation rate was lower compared to controls in short-term cultures. However, the Min-p38 MAPK cells did show a significant decreased rate of apoptosis after E? treatment and a reduction in the basal phosphorylation of p53 tumor suppressor protein compared to controls. When the Min-p38 MAPK cells were xenografted into E?-treated athymic nude mice, their tumorigenicity was enhanced compared to control cells. Increased tumorigenicity of Min-p38 MAPK cells was caused mainly by a decrease in the apoptosis rate indicating that the lack of the p38 MAPK caused an imbalance to increase the ERα:ERβ ratio and a reduction in the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor protein.     

RhoA and RhoC differentially modulate estrogen receptor α recruitment, transcriptional activities, and expression in breast cancer cells (MCF-7)

Purpose

RhoA and RhoC are closely related, small GTPases that are clearly involved in breast cancer tumorigenesis. Nonetheless, their specific roles in the control of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) activities have not been elucidated.

Methods

We used siRNA sequences to specifically down-regulate RhoA and RhoC expression in ERα-positive breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. We then analyzed the consequences of down-regulation on ERα expression, ERα recruitment to the promoters of four target genes, and the mRNA levels of those genes.

Results

We demonstrated that RhoA and RhoC clearly and similarly modulated ERα recruitment to the vitellogenin estrogen responsive element (ERE) present in a luciferase reporter gene and to the promoters of progesterone receptor (PR), cathepsin D, and pS2 genes. Besides, RhoA up-regulated the ERE-luciferase reporter gene activity and PR mRNA expression and tended to down-regulate cathepsin D and pS2 mRNA expression. Conversely, RhoC inhibition had no significant effect at the mRNA level. Furthermore, RhoA inhibition, and to a lesser extent RhoC inhibition, increased ERα expression. No alteration in ERα mRNA levels was observed, suggesting potential post-translational control.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results strongly suggest that RhoA and RhoC play different, but clear, roles in ERα signaling. These GTPases are definitely involved, along with RhoB, in ERα recruitment and, to some extent, ERα cofactor balance. We hypothesize a differential role of RhoA in breast cancer tumors that depend on hormone status.     

Expression and localization of aromatase P450AROM, estrogen receptor-α, and estrogen receptor-β in the developing fetal bovine frontal cortex

The enzyme aromatase (P450_AROM) converts testosterone (T) into 17-β estradiol (E₂) and is crucial for the control of development of the central nervous system during ontogenesis. The effects of E₂ in various brain areas are mediated by the estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) and the estrogen receptor beta (ER-β). During fetal development, steroids are responsible for the sexual differentiation of the hypothalamus. Estrogens are also able to exert effects in other brain areas of the fetus including the frontal cortex, where they act through estrogen receptors (ERs) modulating cognitive function and affective behaviors.In this study we have determined the expression profiles of P450_AROM and ERs in the fetal bovine frontal cortex by quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) throughout the prenatal development. The data show that the patterns of expression of both ERs are strongly correlated during pregnancy and increase in the last stage of gestation. On the contrary, the expression of P450_AROM has no correlation with ERs expression and is not developmentally regulated.Moreover, we performed immunochemical studies showing that fetal neurons express P450_AROM and the ERs. P450_AROM is localized in the cytoplasm and only seldom present in the fine extensions of the cells; ER-α is detected predominantly in the soma whereas ER-β is only present in the nucleus of a few cells. This study provides new data on the development of the frontal cortex in a long gestation mammal with a large convoluted brain.     

Does melatonin induce apoptosis in MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells in vitro?

Melatonin inhibits proliferation of the estrogen-responsive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. The objective of this work was to assess whether melatonin not only regulates MCF-7 cell proliferation but also induces apoptosis. In this experiment we used 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (D3) as a positive control because it inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. MCF-7 cells were cultured with either I nM melatonin, 100 nM D3 or its diluent to determine their effects on cell proliferation, cell viability, cell-cycle phase distribution, population of apoptotic cells, and expression of p53, p21WAF1, bcl-2, bcl-X(L) and bax proteins. After 24 or 48 hr of incubation, both melatonin and D3-treatment significantly decreased the number of viable cells in relation to the controls, although no differences in cell viability were observed between the treatments. The incidence of apoptosis, measured as the population of cells falling in the sub-G1 region of the DNA histogram, or by the TUNEL reaction, was similar in melatonin-treated and control cells whereas, as expected, apoptosis was higher among cells treated with D3 than in controls. The expression of p53 and p21WAF1 proteins significantly increased after 24 or 48 hr of incubation with either melatonin or D3. No significant changes in bcl-2, bcl-XL and bax mRNAs were detected after treatment with melatonin whereas in D3-treated cells, a significant drop in bcl-XL was observed. These data support the hypothesis that melatonin reduces MCF-7 cell proliferation by modulating cell-cycle length through the control of the p53-p21 pathway, but without clearly inducing apoptosis.     

Occurrence and cellular distribution of estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ in the testis and epididymal region of roosters

Estrogen signaling is required for the maintenance of male reproductive function and is mediated by the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. These receptors are widely distributed in mammalian reproductive tissues, but information is limited in non-mammalian species including birds. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and cellular distribution of ERα and ERβ in the testis and epididymal region of roosters. The results showed for the first time that ERβ was the predominant receptor detected in the testis, being expressed in the somatic and some germ cells. Within the epididymal region, ERβ was strongly expressed in all segments, whereas the most intense reaction for ERα was found in the distal efferent ductules. The differential expression of ERα and ERβ within the rooster testis and epididymal region suggests that these organs may be a target for different actions of estrogen.     

Anxiolytic effects and neuroanatomical targets of estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) activation by a selective ERβ agonist in female mice

The dichotomous anxiogenic and anxiolytic properties of estrogens have been reported to be mediated by two distinct neural estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, respectively. Using a combination of pharmacological and genetic approaches, we confirmed that the anxiolytic actions of estradiol are mediated by ERβ and extended and these observations to demonstrate the neuroanatomical targets involved in ERβ activation in these behavioral responses. We examined the effects of the biologically active S-enantiomer of diarylpropionitrile (S-DPN) on anxiety-related behavioral measures, the corresponding stress hormonal response to hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity, and potential sites of neuronal activation in mutant female mice carrying a null mutation for ERβ gene (βERKO). S-DPN administration significantly reduced anxiety-like behaviors in the open field, light-dark exploration, and the elevated plus maze (EPM) in ovariectomized wild-type (WT) mice, but not in their βERKO littermates. Stress-induced corticosterone (CORT) and ACTH were also attenuated by S-DPN in the WT mice but not in the βERKO mice. Using c-fos induction after elevated plus maze, as a marker of stress-induced neuronal activation, we identified the anterodorsal medial amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis as the neuronal targets of S-DPN action. Both areas showed elevated c-fos mRNA expression with S-DPN treatment in the WT but not βERKO females. These studies provide compelling evidence for anxiolytic effects mediated by ERβ, and its neuroanatomical targets, that send or receive projections to/from the paraventricular nucleus, providing potential indirect mode of action for the control of hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis function and behaviors.     

Effects of epidermal growth factor and its signal transduction inhibitors on apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells

AIM:The study investigated if EGF signaling inhibitors,EGFantibody and tyrphostin 51 (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor),mediated the action of EGF on apoptosis and the expressionof EGF receptors and p21 (a cyclin-dependent kinaseinhibitor) of human colorectal cancer cells.METHODS:Human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells(SW480) were incubated with 0.6mL/L dimethyl sulfoxide(DNSO,the control group),225ng/mL (37.5nmol/L) EGFin 0.6mL/L DNSO,225ng/mL EGF 2.5μg/mL (17nmol/L)EGF antibody in 0.6mL/L DMSO,or 225ng/mL EGF 215ng/mL (0.8μmol/L) tyrphostin 51 in 0.6mL/L DMSO.RESULTS:After 48h incubation,the levels of EGF in mediumsignificantly increased (P<0.05) in the EGF-treated groups.The numbers of apoptotic cells were significantly fewer(P<0.05) in the EGF EGF antibody and EGF tyrphostin51 groups than those in the control and EGF groups after12 h treatments.The expression of phosphorylated EGFreceptors in the EGF,EGF EGF antibody,and EGF tyrphostin 51 groups was 176.8%,62.4%,and 138.1% ofthe control group,respectively.The expression of p21protein in the EGF,EGF EGF antibody,and EGF tyrphostin51 groups was 115.7%,4.8%,and 61.5% of the controlgroup,respectively.CONCLUSION:The data suggest that EGF antibody andtyrphostin 51 can inhibit the action of EGF on apoptosis inhuman colorectal cancer cells through down-regulation ofEGF receptor and p21 expression.     

Different distributions of interstitial cells of Cajal and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive cells in colonic smooth muscle cell/interstitial cell of Cajal/plateletderived growth factor receptor-α positive cell syncytium in mice

AIM To investigate the distribution and function of interstitialcells of Cajal(ICCs) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α positive(PDGFRα+) cells in the proximal and distal colon.METHODS The comparison of colonic transit in the proximal and distal ends was performed by colonic migrating motor complexes(CMMCs). The tension of the colonic smooth muscle was examined by smooth muscle spontaneous contractile experiments with both ends of the smooth muscle strip tied with a silk thread. Intracellular recordings were used to assess electrical field stimulation(EFS)-induced inhibitory junction potentials(IJP) on the colonic smooth muscle. Western blot analysis was used to examine the expression levels of ICCs and PDGFRα in the colonic smooth muscle.RESULTS Treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride(L-NAME) significantly increased the CMMC frequency and spontaneous contractions, especially in the proximal colon, while treatment with MRS2500 increased only distal CMMC activity and smooth muscle contractions. Both CMMCs and spontaneous contractions were markedly inhibited by NPPB, especially in the proximal colon. Accordingly, CyPPA sharply inhibited the distal contraction of both CMMCs and spontaneous contractions. Additionally, the amplitude of stimulationinduced nitric oxide(NO)/ICC-dependent slow IJPs(sIJPs) by intracellular recordings from the smooth muscles in the proximal colon was larger than that in the distal colon, while the amplitude of electric field stimulationinduced purinergic/PDGFRα-dependent fast IJPs(fIJPs) in the distal colon was larger than that in the proximal colon. Consistently, protein expression levels of c-Kit and anoctamin-1(ANO1) in the proximal colon were much higher, while protein expression levels of PDGFRα and small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel 3(SK3) in the distal colon were much higher.CONCLUSION The ICCs are mainly distributed in the proximal colon and there are more PDGFRα+ cells are in the distal colon, which generates a pressure gradient between the two ends of the colon to propel the feces to the anus.     

Oncostatin M suppresses oestrogen receptor-α expression and is associated with poor outcome in human breast cancer

The most important clinical biomarker for breast cancer management is oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα). Tumours that express ER are candidates for endocrine therapy and are biologically less aggressive, while ER-negative tumours are largely treated with conventional chemotherapy and have a poor prognosis. Despite its significance, the mechanisms regulating ER expression are poorly understood. We hypothesised that the inflammatory cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) can downregulate ER expression in breast cancer. Recombinant OSM potently suppressed ER protein and mRNA expression in vitro in a dose- and time-dependent manner in two human ER+ breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and T47D. This was dependent on the expression of OSM receptor beta (OSMRβ) and could be blocked by inhibition of the MEKK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases. ER loss was also necessary for maximal OSM-induced signal transduction and migratory activity. In vivo, high expression of OSM and OSMR mRNA (determined by RT-PCR) was associated with reduced ER (P<0.01) and progesterone receptor (P<0.05) protein levels in a cohort of 70 invasive breast cancers. High OSM and OSMR mRNA expression was also associated with low expression of ESR1 (ER, P<0.0001) and ER-regulated genes in a previously published breast cancer gene expression dataset (n=321 cases). In the latter cohort, high OSMR expression was associated with shorter recurrence-free and overall survival in univariate (P<0.0001) and multivariate (P=0.022) analyses. OSM signalling may be a novel factor causing suppression of ER and disease progression in breast cancer.     

Roles of PLC-γ2 and PKCα in TPA-induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the roles of PLCγ2 and PKCα in TPA-induced apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Human gastric cancer cell line MGCS0-3 was used. Protein expression levels of PLCγ2 and PKCα were detected by Western blot. Protein localization of PLCγ2 and PKCα was shown by immunofluoscence analysis under laser-scanning confocal microscope. Apoptotic morphology was observed by DAPI fluorescence staining, and apoptotic index was counted among I 000 cells randomly. RESULTS: Treatment of gastric cancer cells MGCS0-3 with TPA not only up-regulated expression of PLC-γ2 protein, but also induced PLC-γ2 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, this process was not directly associated with apoptosis induction. Further investigation showed that PKCa translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was correlated with initiation of apoptosis. To explore the inevitable linkage between PLC-γ2 and PKCα during apoptosis induction, PLC inhibitor U73122 was used to block PLC-γ2 translocation,in which neither stimulating PKCα translocation nor inducing apoptosis occurred in MGC80-3 cells. However, when U73122-treated cells were exposed to TPA, not only PLC-γ2, but also PKCα was redistributed. On the other hand, when cells were treated with PKC inhibitor alone, PLC-γ2 protein was still located in the cytoplasm. However, redistribution of PLC-γ2 protein occurred in the presence of TPA, no matter whether PKC inhibitor existed or not. CONCLUSION: PLC-γ2 translocation is critical in transmittingTPA signal to its downstream molecule PKCα. As an effector, PKCα directly promotes apoptosis of MGC80-3 cells. Therefore, protein translocation of PLCγ2 and PKCα is critical event in the process of apoptosis induction.     

ΔNp63α mediates proliferation and apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells by the regulation of GATA-6

The oncogenic isoform of the p63 protein, ΔNp63α, has been found to be overexpressed in numerous human squamous cell carcinomas. However, the role of ΔNp63α in human gastric cancer remains unknown. To evaluate this role, we screened a panel of gastric cancer cell lines for ΔNp63α expression and found that they are correlated with the differentiation status of the cell lines. Using the MKN28 gastric cancer cell line for loss-of-function or gain-of-function of ΔNp63α in our experiments, we observed that forced expression of ΔNp63α promoted cell proliferation as assessed by the MTT and colony formation assays, and increased the GATA-6 expression. In contrast, down-regulation of ΔNp63α via small interfering RNA suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and reduced the expression of GATA-6. In conclusion, our data suggest that ΔNp63α plays an important role in cell growth and proliferation of gastric cancer cells, which may be associated with the regulation of GATA-6 expression. This is the first study exploring the biological functions and the underlying mechanism of ΔNp63α during gastric cancer development. It also identifies potential targets for anti-tumor treatment.     

Troglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ ligand, induces growth inhibition and apoptosis of HepG2 human liver cancer cells

AIM： To examine the effect of troglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ （PPARγ） ligand, on the proliferation and apoptosis of human liver cancer cells. METHODS： Liver cancer cell line HepG2 was cultured and treated with troglitazone. Cell proliferation was detected by 3-（4-,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay; apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase- mediated nick end labeling of DNA fragmentation sites （TUNEL） assay; and apoptosis-related protein was detected by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS： Troglitazone inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and induced activation of caspase-3 expression. Troglitazone not only drove apoptosis-inhibiting factor survivin to translocate incompletely from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, but also inhibited expression of survivin, while it did not affect expression of apoptosis-promoting factor Bax. CONCLUSION： PPARγ ligands inhibit growth and induce apoptosis of liver cancer cells, and may have applications for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer.     

Ecto-5′-nucleotidase promotes invasion, migration and adhesion of human breast cancer cells

Purpose

Associated with many molecules, metastasis includes cell adhesion to extracellular matrix, migration towards specific direction and invasion into local vessel of distant organs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of ecto-5′-nucleotidase (eN, ecto-5-NT, CD73) generated extracellular adenosine in biologically malignant behaviors of human breast cancer cell lines.

Materials and methods

Two human breast cancer cell lines, T-47D with lower expression of CD73 and MB-MDA-231 with higher expression of CD73, were used to investigate the functions of CD73. The effects of CD73 over-expression on invasion, migration and adhesion were observed in T-47D transfected with pcDNA-NT5E plasmid. The effects of specific CD73 inhibitor, α, ß-methylene ADP (APCP), were observed in MB-MDA-231 cells.

Results

The results showed CD-73 overexpression increased invasion, migration and adhesion to ECM of the pcDNA-NT5E transfected T-47D cells compared to the saline and mock vector controls. The increased cell mobility of CD-73-overexpressed T-47D cells was blocked by APCP. Adenosine increased the mobility of wild type T-47D cells. APCP inhibited the mobility of the MB-MDA-231 cells.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results indicated that CD73 may facilitate the adhesion, migration and invasion of human breast cancer cells through its enzyme activity of generating adenosine. This study provided a possibly molecular mechanism of metastasis of breast carcinoma.