Regulation of the Estrogen Receptor Structural Gene in Breast Tissue by the AH Receptor.
Abstract
The Ah receptor (AhR), a gene regulatory protein, has been implicated to play a significant role in the development and/or progression of mammary tumors in humans and animals. We further hypothesize that it plays a role in the normal development of breast tissue. We will define the cell- and developmentally-related expression and activation of the AhR in mammary tissue, determine the ability of AhR agonists to affect the expression of the estrogen receptor (ER) in this tissue, and define the mechanism(s) by which these events occur. We have shown that the human ER structural gene contains specific DNA sequences that binds activated human AhR under conditions in vitro. We have sought to establish an in vivo model to further investigate the mechanisms whereby the AhR may regulate the ER gene. In contrast to previous investigations by others, we found that the AhR agonist, TCDD, did not affect either ER levels or estrogen-induced responses in the weanling female rat. These data indicate that age and/or developmental period play a crucial role in the ability of TCDD, via the AhR, to modulated the ER and estrogen-mediated responses. We are progressing on proposed studies to examine the developmental expression of the MIR in rat mammary tissue and the effects of AhR agonists on ER expression. We have also determined that a gene encoding an enzyme intimately involved in steroid hormone metabolism, 3B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase isomerase, is affected by AhR agonists. We will further examine the regulation of this gene in breast tissue.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 29, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA301696
Entities
People
- Thomas A. Gasiewicz
Organizations
- University of Rochester