At the Cutting Edge
About GATA3, HNF3A, and XBP1, three genes co-expressed with the oestrogen receptor-α gene (ESR1) in breast cancer

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2004.02.021Get rights and content

Abstract

In breast tumours and breast cancer cell (BCC) lines, microarray analyses have revealed that a series of genes are expressed in close association with the oestrogen receptor-α (ER-α) gene, ESR1. Three of them, GATA3, HNF3A (also known as FOXA1), and XBP1 encode transcription factors. Here, we present these factors and we discuss their potential involvement in the ER-α-mediated actions in BCC. We notably show the relations that exist, or that might exist, between these factors and the oestrogen-inducible trefoil factor TFF1.

Introduction

The main mediator of anti-oestrogens action, the oestrogen receptor-α (ER-α, gene ESR1), plays a key role in the biology and treatment of breast cancer (Osborne et al., 2001, Leclercq et al., 2002). Global gene expression analyses have revealed that it is a major discriminator in breast cancer and breast cancer cell (BCC) lines classification. Numerous studies, notably based on microarray use, have shown that the expression of GATA3, HNF3A (also known as FOXA1), and XBP1 is strongly and positively correlated to that of ESR1 (Hoch et al., 1999, Perou et al., 2000, Bertucci et al., 2000, Sorlie et al., 2001, Sorlie et al., 2003, West et al., 2001, Gruvberger et al., 2001, Ross and Perou, 2001, van’t Veer et al., 2002, Sotiriou et al., 2003; reviewed in Lacroix and Leclercq, 2004). These genes encode transcription factors, the role of which in regulating BCC activities remains largely unknown. In an attempt to solve this question, we reviewed the literature concerning the biological function of these proteins. On the basis of these data, we suggest their possible involvement in the ER-α-mediated responses of BCC.

Section snippets

GATA-binding protein 3

GATA-3 is member of a family of six (GATA-1 to -6) transcription factors containing two zinc fingers. The C-terminal finger is capable of tight, specific binding to the (A/T)GATA(A/G) consensus DNA sequence. Differences in the N-terminal DNA binding domain are likely to provide a mechanism for more selective transcriptional control of target genes by the various GATA proteins (Takemoto et al., 2002). Whereas GATA-1, -2, and -3 expression has been predominantly observed in haematopoietic cells,

Differences and similarities in mechanisms underlying ESR1, GATA3, HNF3A, and XBP1 expression: a few words

Despite the close correlation existing between ESR1, GATA3, HNF3A, and XBP1 expression in breast cancer, none of the factors encoded by the three latter genes has been shown to date to play a role in ESR1 regulation. Interestingly, a microarray-mediated study has shown that GATA3, HNF3A, and XBP1 expression is not correlated to that of ESR1 in ovarian tumours. Indeed, these three genes appear more highly expressed in breast cancer than in ovarian carcinomas (Schaner et al., 2003). It is well

Potential involvement of GATA-3, HNF-3α, and XBP-1 in ER-α-mediated actions in BCC

Biological properties reported over here suggest that all three factors described can or could be actors in steroid receptor-mediated transcription of target genes. An involvement of GATA-3 and HNF-3α in the androgen regulation of prostate-specific genes has been documented, and data available strongly suggest that like XBP-1, they could modulate the ER-α-mediated gene regulation in BCC.

The induction of cell proliferation is a major effect mediated by ER-α in BCC. This process needs energy to

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by “Fonds Jean-Claude Heuson” and “Fonds Medic”. Marc Lacroix is supported by grants from Eppendorf Array Technologies (EAT, Namur, Belgium) and from European Communities (BreastMed Consortium, INCO MED ICA3-CT-2002-1005).

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