Luminal breast cancers express estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors, and respond to endocrine therapies. However, some ER+PR+ tumors display intrinsic or acquired resistance, possibly related to PR. Two PR isoforms, PR-A and PR-B, regulate distinct gene subsets that may differentially influence tumor fate. A high PR-A:PR-B ratio is associated with poor prognosis and tamoxifen resistance. We speculate that excessive PR-A marks tumors that will relapse early. Here we address mechanisms by which PR-A regulate transcription, focusing on SUMOylation. We use receptor mutants and synthetic promoter/reporters to show that SUMOylation deficiency or the deSUMOylase SENP1 enhance transcription by PR-A, independent of the receptors dimerization interface or DNA binding domain. De-SUMOylation exposes the agonist properties of the antiprogestin RU486. Thus, on synthetic promoters, SUMOylation functions as an independent brake on transcription by PR-A. What about PR-A SUMOylation of endogenous human breast cancer genes? To study these, we used gene expression profiling. Surprisingly, PR-A SUMOylation influences progestin target genes differentially, with some upregulated, others downregulated, and others unaffected. Hormone-independent gene regulation is also PR-A SUMOylation dependent. Several SUMOylated genes were analyzed in clinical breast cancer database. In sum, we show that SUMOylation does not simply repress PR-A. Rather, it regulates PR-A activity in a target selective manner including genes associated with poor prognosis, shortened survival, and metastasis.
SUMOylation Regulates Transcription by the Progesterone Receptor A Isoform in a Target Gene Selective Manner.
Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesThe objective of this study was to determine the extent to which paracrine action of 17-beta-estradiol on ER+ mouse astrocytes, affect gene expression of MDA231-derived brain trophic 231BR cells.
No associated publication
Cell line, Treatment
View SamplesWe compared molecular characteristics of primary and recurrent pediatric ependymoma to identify sub-group specific differences.
Molecular sub-group-specific immunophenotypic changes are associated with outcome in recurrent posterior fossa ependymoma.
Specimen part
View SamplesWe sought to detect predictive markers related to a Src kinase inhibitor (saracatinib) sensitivity in ovarian cancer. Cell proliferation assays assigned 18 ovarian cancer cell lines to sensitive or resistant to this drug.
PTTG1 Levels Are Predictive of Saracatinib Sensitivity in Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines.
Specimen part
View SamplesAbnormal function of genes is at the root of most cancers, but heritable cancer syndromes account for a very small minority of all tumors in humans and domestic animals. The majority of cancers are sporadic, that is, they are not heritable in the strictest sense. Instead, sporadic cancers occur due to interactions of unknown intrinsic (heritable) and environmental factors that lead to malignant transformation and uncontrolled growth. Identification of heritable risk factors in sporadic human cancers is difficult because individual genetic backgrounds are very heterogeneous. To this end, individual genetic backgrounds of purebred dogs are more homogeneous, and dog breeds show different predilection to develop specific cancers. Here, we used genomic screens based on gene expression profiling to identify sets of genes that may contribute to the development of canine hemangiosarcoma, a relatively common endothelial sarcoma. Specific genes in a single breed (Golden Retrievers) are modulated by (or with) heritable risk traits, showing functional features that appear to modulate tumor behavior. Our results suggest these methods are suitable to identify genes that will enhance our understanding of how these cancers happen, as well as possible treatment targets that will improve outcomes of both human and canine cancer patients.
Innate immune response to influenza A virus in differentiated human alveolar type II cells.
Specimen part, Subject, Time
View SamplesThe gastrointestinal tract is a major site of early HIV-1 replication and death of CD4+ T cells. As HIV-1 replicates in the gut, the protective epithelial barrier gets disrupted, leading to the entry of bacteria into the underlying tissue and the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and clinical complications even in HIV-1-infected patients taking antiviral drugs. Counteracting these pathogenic processes may require in-depth understanding of the molecular pathways that HIV-1 and microbes utilize to infect, functionally alter and/or kill CD4+ T cells. However, to date, the nature of the genes altered by relevant HIV-1 strains and bacteria in intestinal CD4+ T cells remains unclear.
The transcriptome of HIV-1 infected intestinal CD4+ T cells exposed to enteric bacteria.
Specimen part, Subject
View SamplesWe previously identified toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) as a candidate gene responsible for ozone (O3)-induced pulmonary hyperpermeability and inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the mechanism through which TLR4 modulates O3-induced pulmonary responses and to utilize transcriptomics to determine TLR4 effector molecules. C3H/HeJ (HeJ; Tlr4 mutant) and C3H/HeOuJ (OuJ; Tlr4 normal), mice were exposed continuously to 0.3 ppm O3 or filtered air for 6, 24, 48 or 72 hr. Affymetrix Mouse430A_MOE gene arrays were used to analyze lung homogenates from HeJ and OuJ mice followed using a bioinformatic analysis. Inflammation was assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage and molecular analysis by ELISA, immunoblotting, and transcription factor activity. TLR4 signals through both the MYD88-dependent and independent pathways in OuJ mice, which involves MAP kinase activation, NF-kappaB, AP-1, and KC. Microarray analyses identifiedTLR4 responsive genes for strain and time in OuJ versus HeJ mice (p<0.05). One significantly upregulated cluster of genes in OuJ were the heat shock proteins (Hspa1b; Hsp70), Hsp90ab1). Furthermore, O3-induced expression of HSP70 protein was increased in OuJ compared to HeJ mice following 24-48 h O3. Moreover, BAL polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and total protein were significantly reduced in response to O3 in Hspa1a/Hspa1btm1Dix (Hsp70-/-) compared to Hsp70+/+ mice (p<0.05). TLR4 signaling (MYD88-dependent), ERK1/2, AP-1 activity, and KC protein content were also significantly reduced after O3 exposure in Hsp70-/- compared to Hsp70+/+ mice (p<0.05). These studies suggest that HSP70 is involved in the regulation of O3-induced lung inflammation through the TLR4 pathway and provide evidence that HSP70 is an endogenous in vivo TLR4 ligand.
Identification of candidate genes downstream of TLR4 signaling after ozone exposure in mice: a role for heat-shock protein 70.
Sex, Specimen part, Treatment
View SamplesThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of Thyroid Hormone Responsive Protein Spot14 (Spot14) overexpression on the gene expression profiles of tumors from MMTV-Neu mice. Hemizygous MMTV-Neu and MMTV-Spot14 mice were bred and 1 cm tumors from Neu control or Neu/Spot14 bitransgenic offspring were profiled using Affymetrix gene arrays. Tumors from Neu/Spot14 mice emerged significantly earlier than controls, but expressed many genes associated with lactogenic differentiation and were not highly metastatic. These results from the mouse model are consistent with observations from primary human breast tumors, which indicate that high Spot14 gene expression was directly correlated with a luminal subtype and a positive ER status. Overexpression of Spot14 in cultured mammary epithelial cells stimulated proliferation but not differentiation. Together, these data suggest that, in vivo, Spot14 is expressed in well-differentiated cells, and promotes the expansion of this population in the context of oncogenic signaling pathway activation.
Modulation of tumor fatty acids, through overexpression or loss of thyroid hormone responsive protein spot 14 is associated with altered growth and metastasis.
Specimen part
View SamplesThis SuperSeries is composed of the SubSeries listed below.
Protective role of IL-6 in vascular remodeling in Schistosoma pulmonary hypertension.
Sex, Specimen part, Disease, Disease stage, Treatment
View SamplesPrimary breast cancer xenografts
No associated publication
Treatment
View Samples