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The liver receptor homolog-1 regulates estrogen receptor expression in breast cancer cells

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Abstract

Estrogen receptor-α (ER) is expressed in the great majority of breast cancers, and the inhibition of ER action is a key part of breast cancer treatment. The inhibition of ER action is achieved using anti-estrogens, primarily tamoxifen, and with aromatase inhibitors that inhibit estrogen biosynthesis, thereby preventing ER activation. However, resistance to these therapies is common. With the aim of identifying new molecular targets for breast cancer therapy, we have identified the liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) as an estrogen-regulated gene. RNA interference and over-expression studies were used to investigate the role of the LRH-1 in regulating breast cancer growth and to identify the targets of an LRH-1 action. Promoter recruitment was determined using reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. We show that LRH-1 regulates breast cancer cell growth by regulating the ER expression. Reporter gene and in vitro DNA-binding assays identified an LRH-1-binding site in the ER gene promoter, and ChIP assays have demonstrated in vivo binding at this site. We also provide evidence for new LRH-1 variants in breast cancer cells arising from the use of alternative promoters. Previous studies have shown that LRH-1 functions in estrogen biosynthesis by regulating aromatase expression. Our findings extend this by highlighting LRH-1 as a key regulator of the estrogen response in breast cancer cells through the regulation of ER expression. Hence, inhibition of LRH-1 could provide a powerful new approach for the treatment of endocrine-resistant breast cancer.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank D. McDonnell, D. D. Moore, J. J. Tremblay, R. S. Viger, C. Clyne, E. R. Simpson, and S. Wang for their liberal gifts of plasmids, and A. G. M. Barrett, M. Fuchter, and A. Jaxa-Chamiec for helpful discussions. We also thank A. M. Khan for help with bioinformatics analysis of the ER gene sequences. This study was supported by grants from Cancer Research UK, the Royal College of Surgeons, the Wellcome Trust, and the Department of Health-funded Imperial College Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) grant. We are also grateful for the support received from the NIHR Biomedical Research Centre funding scheme.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oncology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK

    Paul T. R. Thiruchelvam, Chun-Fui Lai, Hui Hua, Ross S. Thomas, Fiona J. Kyle, Manikandan Periyasamy, Andrew Photiou, R. Charles Coombes, Laki Buluwela & Simak Ali

  2. Cancer Research UK, Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK

    Antoni Hurtado & Jason S. Carroll

  3. Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA

    William Hudson & Eric A. Ortlund

  4. Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK

    Andrew R. Bayly & Alan C. Spivey

  5. School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK

    Richard J. Whitby

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  1. Paul T. R. Thiruchelvam
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Correspondence to Laki Buluwela or Simak Ali.

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Thiruchelvam, P.T.R., Lai, CF., Hua, H. et al. The liver receptor homolog-1 regulates estrogen receptor expression in breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 127, 385–396 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-010-0994-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-010-0994-9

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