The Pit-1/Pou1f1 transcription factor regulates and correlates with prolactin expression in human breast cell lines and tumors

Endocr Relat Cancer. 2010 Jan 29;17(1):73-85. doi: 10.1677/ERC-09-0100. Print 2010 Mar.

Abstract

The transcription factor Pit-1/Pou1f1 regulates GH and prolactin (PRL) secretion in the pituitary gland. Pit-1 expression and GH regulation by Pit-1 have also been demonstrated in mammary gland. However, no data are available on the role of Pit-1 on breast PRL. To evaluate this role, several human breast cancer cell lines were transfected with either the Pit-1 expression vector or a Pit-1 small interference RNA construct, followed by PRL mRNA and protein evaluation. In addition, transient transfection of MCF-7 cells by a reporter construct containing the proximal PRL promoter, and ChIP assays were performed. Our data indicate that Pit-1 regulates mammary PRL at transcriptional level by binding to the proximal PRL promoter. We also found that Pit-1 raises cyclin D1 expression before increasing PRL levels, suggesting a PRL-independent effect of Pit-1 on cell proliferation. By using immunohistochemistry, we found a significant correlation between Pit-1 and PRL expression in 94 human breast invasive ductal carcinomas. Considering the possible role of PRL in breast cancer disorders, the function of Pit-1 in breast should be the focus of further research.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / pathology
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Line, Tumor / drug effects
  • Cyclin D1 / biosynthesis
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, bcl-1
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • NIH 3T3 Cells / drug effects
  • Neoplasm Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / physiology*
  • Prolactin / biosynthesis*
  • Prolactin / genetics
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology
  • Transcription Factor Pit-1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Transcription Factor Pit-1 / genetics
  • Transcription Factor Pit-1 / physiology*
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • CCND1 protein, human
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • POU1F1 protein, human
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Transcription Factor Pit-1
  • Cyclin D1
  • Prolactin