Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) activates estrogen receptor-α and -β via the IGF-1 and the insulin receptors in breast cancer cells

Growth Factors. 2011 Apr;29(2-3):82-93. doi: 10.3109/08977194.2011.565003. Epub 2011 Mar 16.

Abstract

The estrogen receptor (ER) is a primary target for breast cancer (BC) treatment. As BC progresses to estrogen-independent growth, the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and the ER interact in synergistic cross-talk mechanisms, which result in enhanced activation of both receptors' signaling cascades. Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) is critical in BC progression and its actions are mediated by the IGF-1R. Our previous studies showed that IGF-2 regulates survival genes that protect the mitochondria and promote chemoresistance. In this study, we analyzed BC cells by subcellular fractionation, Western-Blot, qRT-PCR, and siRNA analysis. Our results demonstrate that IGF-2 activates ER-α and ER-β, and modulates their translocation to the nucleus, membrane organelles, and the mitochondria. IGF-2 actions are mediated by the IGF-1R and the insulin receptor. This novel mechanism of IGF-2 synergistic cross-talk signaling with ER-α and ER-β can promote estrogen-independent BC progression and provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of BC patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / genetics
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism*
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / genetics
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / metabolism*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitochondria / metabolism
  • Receptor, Insulin / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic

Substances

  • ESR1 protein, human
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Estrogen Receptor beta
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
  • Receptor, Insulin