Genome-wide mapping of estrogen receptor-beta-binding regions reveals extensive cross-talk with transcription factor activator protein-1

Cancer Res. 2010 Jun 15;70(12):5174-83. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-4407. Epub 2010 May 25.

Abstract

Estrogen signaling can occur through a nonclassical pathway involving the interaction of estrogen receptors (ER) with other transcription factors such as activator protein-1 (AP-1) and SP-1. However, there is little mechanistic understanding about this pathway, with conflicting results from in vitro investigations. In this study, we applied the ChIP-on-chip approach to identify ERbeta-binding sites on a genome-wide scale, identifying 1,457 high-confidence binding sites in ERbeta-overexpressing MCF7 breast cancer cells. Genes containing ERbeta-binding sites can be regulated by E2. Notably, approximately 60% of the genomic regions bound by ERbeta contained AP-1-like binding regions and estrogen response element-like sites, suggesting a functional association between AP-1 and ERbeta signaling. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis confirmed the association of AP-1, which is composed of the oncogenic transcription factors c-Fos and c-Jun, to ERbeta-bound DNA regions. Using a re-ChIP assay, we showed co-occupancy of ERbeta and AP-1 on chromatin. Short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of c-Fos or c-Jun expression decreased ERbeta recruitment to chromatin, consistent with the role of AP-1 in mediating estrogen signaling in breast cancer cells. Additionally, ERalpha and ERbeta recruitment to AP-1/ERbeta target regions exhibited gene-dependent differences in response to antiestrogens. Together, our results broaden insights into ERbeta DNA-binding at the genomic level by revealing crosstalk with the AP-1 transcription factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chromatin / metabolism
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / genetics
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / metabolism*
  • Estrogens / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Genome, Human*
  • Humans
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Response Elements / genetics*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Transcription Factor AP-1 / genetics
  • Transcription Factor AP-1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Estrogen Receptor beta
  • Estrogens
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Transcription Factor AP-1
  • Luciferases