Whole-genome cartography of estrogen receptor α binding sites
2007

Mapping Estrogen Receptor α Binding Sites in Breast Cancer Cells

Sample size: 1234 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Lin Chin-Yo, Vega Vinsensius B, Thomsen Jane S, Zhang Tao, Kong Say Li, Xie Min, Chiu Kuo Ping, Lipovich Leonard, Barnett Daniel H, Stossi Fabio, Yeo Ailing, George Joshy, Kuznetsov Vladimir A, Lee Yew Kok, Charn Tze Howe, Palanisamy Nallasivam, Miller Lance D, Cheung Edwin, Katzenellenbogen Benita S, Ruan Yijun, Bourque Guillaume, Wei Chia-Lin, Liu Edison T

Primary Institution: Genome Institute of Singapore

Hypothesis

The study aims to identify and map the binding sites of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells to understand its role in gene regulation.

Conclusion

The study identified 1,234 high confidence ERα binding sites, suggesting complex regulatory mechanisms over significant distances in the genome.

Supporting Evidence

  • 1,234 high confidence ERα binding sites were identified in the human genome.
  • 71% of the identified sites contained full estrogen response elements (EREs).
  • ERα binding sites were found to influence gene expression across distances of up to 100 kilobases.
  • Genes near ERα binding sites were associated with breast cancer disease status.
  • Only 5% of the binding sites were located within 5 kb of transcriptional start sites.

Takeaway

Researchers found many places in the DNA where a protein called estrogen receptor α sticks, which helps control how genes work in breast cancer cells.

Methodology

The study used chromatin immunoprecipitation paired-end diTag cloning and sequencing to map ERα binding sites in MCF-7 cells treated with estradiol.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the specific conditions under which the MCF-7 cells were cultured and treated.

Limitations

The study's findings may not be generalizable to all breast cancer types due to the specific cell line used.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on MCF-7 breast cancer cells derived from a female patient.

Statistical Information

P-Value

3.204e−8

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.0030087

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