Pit-1/GHF-1 and GH expression in the MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line

J Endocrinol. 2002 Apr;173(1):161-7. doi: 10.1677/joe.0.1730161.

Abstract

GH expression in mammary tumors has been related to the increase and spreading of cell proliferation. Using the MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line, it has been demonstrated that autocrine GH-stimulated mammary carcinoma cell proliferation decreased the apoptosis rate and enhanced cell spreading. Surprisingly, no data are available about the presence of Pit-1 (the main pituitary regulator of GH) or GH expression in this cell line. Using RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, we have demonstrated the presence of both mRNA coding Pit-1 and GH as well as Pit-1 and GH protein in the MCF-7 cell line. These data could imply that Pit-1 may be an adequate target to inhibit breast cell proliferation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / chemistry*
  • Blotting, Western / methods
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Female
  • Growth Hormone / analysis*
  • Growth Hormone / genetics
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Membrane Proteins*
  • Phospholipid Transfer Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Phospholipid Transfer Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Growth Hormone