Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P04626 (erbB-2)
 5,251 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Administration of 6-nitro-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (6-NCDF) caused a dose- and time-dependent increase in uterine wet weight and cytosolic and nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) levels in immature female Sprague-Dawley rats. These estrogenic effects persisted for up to 96 or 144 hr after initial administration of 6-NCDF and could be observed at a dose as low as 2 mumol/kg. In contrast, 6-NCDF (25 mumol/kg) did not increase rat uterine peroxidase activity or epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor binding activity. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), which exhibits a broad spectrum of antiestrogenic effects in the female rat uterus, inhibited the 17 beta-estradiol-induced increase in uterine wet weights, cytosolic and nuclear ER and PR levels, peroxidase activity, and EGF receptor binding activity. In contrast, 2,3,7,8-TCDD inhibited the uterotropic effects caused by 6-NCDF but did not affect the 6-NCDF-induced uterine ER and PR levels. 6-NCDF is a weak inducer of hepatic microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity and competitively binds to the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor but not the PR or ER. Thus both 6-NCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD, two ligands which bind to the Ah receptor, exhibit both partial estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties and serve as useful models for delineating the complex biochemical interactions between the ER and Ah receptor signal transduction pathways.
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PMID:The effect of 6-nitro-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran as a partial estrogen in the female rat uterus. 131 94

Prior studies have shown that overexpression of HER-2/neu occurs in one third of breast and ovarian cancers and that overexpression is associated with poor prognosis. We used a monoclonal antibody to assess immunohistochemically the level of HER-2/neu expression in normal and malignant endometrium. In 24 normal endometrial samples light to moderate (1+ to 2+) staining for HER-2/neu was seen in the glands, and there was no variation in intensity of staining during the menstrual cycle. Among 95 endometrial adenocarcinomas, nine (9%) were found to have heavier staining for HER-2/neu than was seen in normal endometrium (3+). High expression of HER-2/neu was found in 27% of patients with metastatic disease compared with 4% of patients with disease confined to the uterus (p less than 0.005). High HER-2/neu expression also was associated with absence of estrogen receptor (p less than 0.005) and with increased mortality from cancer. Further studies are needed to determine the significance of HER-2/neu overexpression in endometrial cancer.
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PMID:Overexpression of HER-2/neu in endometrial cancer is associated with advanced stage disease. 167 Sep 8

In the female Sprague-Dawley rat uterus 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds exhibited a broad spectrum of antioestrogenic responses. For example 2,3,7,8-TCDD inhibited the 17 beta-oestradiol-induced uterine wet weight increase, peroxidase activity, oestrogen and progesterone receptor levels, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor binding, and EGF receptor and c-fos protooncogene mRNA levels. The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor was identified in the rat uterus and the antioestrogenic activities of TCDD and related compounds were structure-dependent. In parallel studies, the effects of TCDD as an antioestrogen in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells was also investigated. TCDD inhibited the 17 beta-oestradiol-induced proliferation of these cells and the secretion of the 34-, 52- and 160-kDa proteins. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with 1 nM [3H]-17 beta-oestradiol resulted in a rapid accumulation of nuclear oestrogen receptor (ER) complexes. Pretreatment of the cells with TCDD caused a rapid decrease in nuclear ER binding activity and immunoreactive protein; moreover, the structure-dependent potencies of TCDD and related compounds as antioestrogens were similar to their Ah receptor binding affinities. TCDD also caused a decrease in nuclear ER levels in wild-type Ah-responsive Hepa 1c1c7 cells but was inactive in Ah non-responsive mutant Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Moreover, in the wild-type cells, both actinomycin D and cycloheximide blocked the effects of TCDD. 6-Methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) has previously been characterized as a TCDD antagonist in rodents and in transformed rodent cell lines. However, like TCDD, MCDF also exhibited a broad spectrum of antioestrogenic activities in both the female Sprague-Dawley rat uterus and MCF-7 cells. MCDF is relatively non-toxic compared to TCDD and is being investigated as a compound which may be clinically useful for the treatment of mammary cancer.
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PMID:2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds as antioestrogens: characterization and mechanism of action. 176 14

Seventy specimens of normal endometrium (n = 13) and cervix (n = 12), endometrial hyperplasia (n = 4), cervical dysplasia (n = 20), endometrial (n = 11) and cervical carcinoma (n = 8) and uterine metastases of mammary carcinomas (n = 2) have been analysed for c-erB-2 expression with immunohistochemistry employing a monoclonal anti ERBB-2 antibody and Northern-blot hybridization using single stranded RNA probes. In comparison with the c-erbB-2 mRNA expression level found in normal samples, two advanced and poorly differentiated endometrial adenocarcinomas (FIGO IV) and two ductal mammary carcinomas which had metastasized to the uterus, together with three carcinomas in situ of the cervix, showed c-erbB-2 enhanced transcription level. All other endometrial samples including adenomatous hyperplasia and nine endometrial carcinomas (FIGO I), and all other lesions of squamous epithelial origin displayed transcriptional activities at or below the baseline level. Immunohistochemical study of ERBB-2 protein expression showed staining in most samples, although different in distribution and intensity. Staining of endometrial glands was seen in unevenly distributed cells or cell clusters. In contrast, for endocervical glands, labelling was observed distinctly on basally located cells (reserve cells) and at the subapical side of luminal cells. Faint labelling of the basal cell layer was also observed in squamous epithelia. It was more pronounced in severe cervical dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. In carcinomas of glandular origin, dedifferentiation was accompanied by an increase in cytoplasmic labelling, whereas the intensity of staining was not related to differentiation in squamous cell carcinomas. While data derived from Northern blots are suggestive of c-erbB-2 overexpression to indicate an advanced and dedifferentiated state of tumours of glandular origin, staining with an anti-ERBB-2 antibody occurred in both normal and atypical squamous and glandular epithelia and may indicate regular proliferation and/or differentiation-associated events.
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PMID:Immunohistochemical investigation and northern blot analysis of c-erB-2 expression in normal, premalignant and malignant tissues of the corpus and cervix uteri. 198 Jan 67

The ontogeny of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor in the different cell types in the neonatal and immature mouse uterus and vagina was examined. Immunohistochemical examination of prenatal and neonatal reproductive tracts with a polyclonal antibody to the EGF receptor shows immunoreactive EGF receptors as early as Day 13 of gestation. Autoradiographic analysis of tissue sections at 3 to 17 days of age (the day of birth is Day 1) demonstrates that both uterine and vaginal epithelial and stromal cells are capable of binding 125I-labeled EGF. Both the 125I-labeled EGF autoradiography and immunohistochemistry in whole tissue show higher EGF receptor levels in the uterine epithelium than the uterine stroma. The presence of EGF receptors was also confirmed by affinity labeling and Scatchard analysis of isolated uterine cell types at 7 and/or 17 days of age. However, in contrast to the autoradiography and immunohistochemistry data of intact tissue, the affinity labeling and Scatchard data of isolated cells indicate that the uterine stroma contains higher levels of EGF receptor than that of the uterine epithelium. The reason for this discrepancy between the different techniques is, as yet, unknown. Regardless of the differences in the actual numbers of EGF receptors obtained, our data demonstrate that the developing mouse reproductive tract contains immunoreactive EGF receptors that are capable of binding 125I-labeled EGF.
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PMID:Epidermal growth factor binding and receptor distribution in the mouse reproductive tract during development. 222 3

We have recently studied the structure and function of the uterine epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, its hormonal regulation, and its possible role in estrogen-induced uterine DNA synthesis. Since the uterus is composed of multiple cell types, we sought, in the work reported here, to localize EGF binding in this organ by autoradiography. Prior to the actual autoradiography, we performed a companion series of experiments to insure that EGF binding to uterine tissue in situ represented a true receptor interaction. Uteri from immature female rats were incubated in vitro with 125I-EGF at 25 degrees C. Tissue binding was maximal within 120 min and remained constant for at least an additional 120 min. This binding of labeled EGF was largely abolished by excess unlabeled EGF but not by other growth factors, indicating that binding was to specific receptors. The binding of 125I-EGF was saturable and reached a plateau at 4-8 nM; specific binding was half-maximal at 1-2 nM EGF. In situ cross-linking studies revealed that 125I-EGF was bound predominantly to a 170,000 MW EGF receptor similar to that seen in isolated uterine membranes. Incubation of uteri with 125I-EGF followed by autoradiography revealed binding to epithelial cells, stroma, and myometrium. These results provide evidence for the presence of specific EGF receptors in all major uterine cell types of the immature rat.
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PMID:Autoradiographic localization of epidermal growth factor receptors to all major uterine cell types. 325 62

A phase I clinical trial of E1A-liposome complex is currently ongoing in patients with HER-2/neu-overexpressing breast or ovarian cancers. To optimize the E1A-liposome complex for a further stage of clinical trial, several aspects of the current protocol have been examined in an animal model. In the orthotopic ovarian cancer model, different doses of lipid in the the E1A-liposome complex, which is currently used in clinical trials, were tested for the in vivo gene-transfer efficacy and tumor-suppression function. A lowered lipid dose--1/13 of the previous amount--produced gene expression level and E1A tumor-suppression efficacy similar to that of the original protocol. Mini-E1A, an E1A construct without its immortalization domain and yet capable of repressing HER-2/neu, was proved to be as potent as E1A in suppressing tumor development in vivo. These changes in the E1A-liposome complex will significantly reduce any potential adverse effects caused by lipid vector and E1A DNA. To examine further whether residual E1A DNA may still exist in normal organs after the E1A-liposome treatment, PCR was used to detect E1A DNA in mice that survived for 1 1/2 years after the last treatment. E1A DNA was detected only in the lungs and kidneys, but not in livers, hearts, spleens, brains, uterus or the ovaries. Furthermore, resistance of the E1A DNA extracted from tissues to the digestion of Dpnl restriction enzyme, which can cleave the methylated E1A plasmid DNA generated by methylation-competent bacteria, suggested integration of E1A DNA into the chromosome of the lungs and kidneys. Experimental results presented here provide important information for safety concerns and for the design of future phase II and phase III trials.
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PMID:Safety study and characterization of E1A-liposome complex gene-delivery protocol in an ovarian cancer model. 993 Mar 7

Endometrial carcinoma is the third most common carcinoma of the female genital tract in Singapore. Although most endometrial carcinomas are detected while still at low stage, there is still a significant mortality from the disease. It is desirable that patients at high risk of relapse are identified early for consideration for additional treatment. Some information required for management can be obtained from clinical history, gross examination of the uterus and routine microscopy. These are age, stage of disease, histologic type of carcinoma (serous carcinoma and clear cell carcinomas are poor prognostic types), grade and lympho-vascular space involvement. Of less certain significance are tumour size, location and status of peritoneal cytology. Other factors currently being investigated are oestrogen and progesterone receptor status, p53 status, flow cytometric analysis for ploidy and S-phase fraction, and oncogenes such as HER-2/neu (c erbB-2). Although some of these show independent prognostic significance on multivariate analysis, it is still uncertain if the information adds significantly to the information available from routine evaluation.
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PMID:Prognostic factors in endometrial carcinoma. 1049 80

Clear cell carcinoma of the gynecologic tract has been defined in terms of its clinical and histologic features; however, its immunophenotypic profile has not been fully characterized. Seventeen cases of primary clear cell carcinoma from various sites within the female genital tract (11 ovary, 5 uterus, 1 vagina) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. These tumors were assessed for the expression of cytokeratin 7 (CK7), cytokeratin 20 (CK20), low and high molecular weight cytokeratin, (CAM5.2 and 34 beta E12, respectively), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), Leu-M1, vimentin, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), bcl-2, p53, HER-2/neu, and CA-125. The characteristic immunoprofile for all sites was positivity for CK7, CAM5.2, 34 beta E12, CEA, Leu-M1, vimentin, bcl-2, p53, and CA-125; variably positivity for ER and HER-2/neu; and negativity for CK20 and PR. For comparison, two cases of urologic clear cell carcinoma (1 bladder, 1 urethra) were also studied, and their profile was found to be similar to the gynecologic cases. Aside from minor differences, clear cell carcinoma appears to have the same immunophenotype regardless of whether it originates in the endometrium, ovary, or genitourinary tract. Much of its profile is similar to other gynecologic adenocarcinomas, but some of the markers studied may be useful in the differential diagnosis of this tumor.
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PMID:Immunohistochemical analysis of clear cell carcinoma of the gynecologic tract. 1144 1

HER-2/neu was widely used as a target for tumor prevention and therapy because of its overexpression in many tumors. However, it also plays an important role in proliferation of endometrium, embryo implantation, and development. Here, HER-2/neu was used in immunocontraception. A gene vaccine encoding the extracellular domain of human HER-2/neu was constructed. After immunization, it especially elicited both humoral and cellular responses in mice. Embryo implantation was interfered by intravenous and intraluminal injection of anti-HER-2/neu serum or lymphocytes. Lower fertility was induced after vaccination when compared with the control groups, while injuries to the uterus and ovary were not observed. Our results suggested a new and impactful target for contraceptive vaccines development.
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PMID:Application of a gene vaccine targeting HER-2/neu in immunocontraception. 1568 7


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