Studies from University of Hamburg yield new data on cell biology
2007 NOV 19 -- Research findings, 'A novel molecular assay to discriminate transcriptional effects caused by xenoestrogens,' are discussed in a new report. "A phenotypic definition of the term estrogen has become increasingly problematic due to the multiple modes of estrogen action which can now be defined by differing nuclear and membrane receptors for the classic ligand, 17beta-estradiol, and by the multiple signalling pathways that are consequently addressed. This has led to the term xenoestrogen being largely determined by whatever assay system is used for its definition," researchers in Hamburg, Germany report. "Here we describe a novel and simple matrix for a transfection system using MBA-MD231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells as hosts. This matrix is able to vary the type of nuclear estrogen receptor used, and by varying the promoter-reporter construct between one using a classic estrogen response element (ERE) enhancer, and one using an enhancer element derived from the bovine oxytocin gene promoter binding an orphan nuclear receptor, direct classical effects can be neatly discriminated from non-classical and non-genomic actions of test substances," wrote M.K. Koohi and colleagues, University of Hamburg. The researchers concluded: "This assay matrix has been used to examine a selection of phytoestrogens and xenobiotics, thereby providing new information on the mechanism of action of some of these substances in breast cancer cells." Koohi and colleagues published their study in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology (A novel molecular assay to discriminate transcriptional effects caused by xenoestrogens. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2007;276(1-2):45-54). For additional information, contact M.K. Koohi, University of Hamburg, Institute for Hormone and Fertility Research, 20246 Hamburg, Germany. Publisher contact information for the journal Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology is: Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd., Customer Relations Manager, Bay 15, Shannon Industrial Estate, Co. Clare, Ireland. Keywords: Germany, Hamburg, Cell Biology, Cellular, Drugs, Endocrinology, Estradiol, Pharmaceuticals, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
|
