Olfactomedin-4 regulation by estrogen in the human endometrium requires epidermal growth factor signaling

Am J Pathol. 2010 Nov;177(5):2495-508. doi: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100026.

Abstract

Olfactomedin-4 (OLFM-4) is an extracellular matrix protein that is highly expressed in human endometrium. We have examined the regulation and function of OLFM-4 in normal endometrium and in cases of endometriosis and endometrial cancer. OLFM-4 expression levels are highest in proliferative-phase endometrium, and 17β-estradiol up-regulates OLFM-4 mRNA in endometrial explant cultures. Using the luciferase reporter under control of the OLFM-4 promoter, it was shown that both 17β-estradiol and OH-tamoxifen induce luciferase activity, and epidermal growth factor receptor-1 is required for this estrogenic response. In turn, EGF activates the OLFM-4 promoter, and estrogen receptor-α is needed for the complete EGF response. The cellular functions of OLFM-4 were examined by its expression in OLFM-4-negative HEK-293 cells, which resulted in decreased vimentin expression and cell adherence as well as increased apoptosis resistance. In cases of endometriosis and endometrial cancer, OLFM-4 expression correlated with the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor-1 and estrogen receptor-α (or estrogen signaling). An increase of OLFM-4 mRNA was observed in the endometrium of endometriosis patients. No change in OLFM-4 expression levels were observed in patients with endometrial cancer relative with controls. In conclusion, cross-talk between estrogen and EGF signaling regulates OLFM-4 expression. The role of OLFM-4 in endometrial tissue remodeling before the secretory phase and during the predisposition and early events in endometriosis can be postulated but requires additional investigation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • Endometriosis / metabolism
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Endometrium / physiology*
  • Epidermal Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Estrogens / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / genetics
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Menstrual Cycle / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Trefoil Factor-1
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism
  • Vimentin / metabolism

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • OLFM4 protein, human
  • TFF1 protein, human
  • Trefoil Factor-1
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Vimentin
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Epidermal Growth Factor
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors