Paradoxical regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins by 17β-oestradiol in human breast cancer cells MCF-7
1999
Effects of 17β-oestradiol on Breast Cancer Cells
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Leung L K, Wang T T Y
Primary Institution: Basic Research Laboratory, Division of Basic Sciences, National Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
How does 17β-oestradiol regulate apoptosis in breast cancer cells?
Conclusion
17β-oestradiol has paradoxical effects on Bcl-2 family proteins in breast cancer cells, increasing Bcl-2 while decreasing Bcl-x(L).
Supporting Evidence
- 17β-oestradiol increased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels.
- 17β-oestradiol decreased Bcl-x(L) mRNA and protein levels.
- The effect of 17β-oestradiol on Bcl-x(L) was concentration-dependent.
- Other steroid hormones did not affect Bcl-x(L).
- Tamoxifen blocked the down-regulation of Bcl-x(L) by 17β-oestradiol.
Takeaway
This study found that a hormone called 17β-oestradiol can change the levels of certain proteins that help decide if a cell lives or dies in breast cancer.
Methodology
The study used multi-probe RNAase protection assays to examine mRNA levels of Bcl-2 family proteins in MCF-7 cells treated with 17β-oestradiol.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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