Identification and pharmacological characterization of SRBP-2: a novel SR31747A-binding protein

Cancer Res. 2003 Aug 15;63(16):4809-18.

Abstract

SR31747A is a sigma ligand with potent antiproliferative activity against tumor cells and for which three binding proteins have been identified to date: (a) SRBP-1 (also called sigma 1); (b) HIS; and (c) sigma 2. In this study, we characterized an additional SR31747A binding site, i.e., SRBP-2 (SR31747A-binding protein 2). Using an in silico screening approach, we identified this novel sequence, which exhibits 41% homology with HSI. The 1142-bp cDNA was found to encode a 206 amino acid protein not related to SRBP-1. Northern blot analysis of SRBP-2 mRNA expression revealed a single 1.1-kb transcript that was widely expressed in organs; the liver was particularly enriched, and the brain showed the lowest abundance. A murine homologue that exhibited a similar expression pattern was also characterized. Subcellular localization analysis using specific polyclonal antibodies revealed that SRBP-2 had the same nuclear membrane and endoplasmic reticulum localization as other members of the SR31747A-binding protein family. Considering SRBP-2-binding properties, pharmacological analysis clearly highlighted that SRBP-2 was distinct from sigma 2. Scatchard plot analysis revealed K(d) values of 10 and 3 nM for SR31747A and Tamoxifen, respectively. In contrast with HSI, the protein also did not exhibit detectable isomerase activity. When analyzing SRBP-2 expression in human breast cancer biopsies, we obtained evidence that SRBP-2 expression, together with SRBP-1 and HSI, may be of interest as a prognostic marker. These findings demonstrated that SRBP-2 represents an additional molecular target for SR31747A, which could help to understand the immunosuppressive and antiproliferative effects of the molecule.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Base Sequence
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Prognosis
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Rabbits
  • Receptors, Opioid*
  • Receptors, sigma
  • Sigma-1 Receptor
  • Steroid Isomerases / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Opioid
  • Receptors, sigma
  • Steroid Isomerases