A low concentration of genistein induces estrogen receptor-alpha and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor interactions and proliferation in uterine leiomyoma cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previously, we found that genistein at low concentrations stimulates the growth of human uterine leiomyoma (LM) cells, but not uterine smooth muscle (myometrial) cells (SMC). The aim of this study was to understand the molecular mechanism whereby genistein causes hyperproliferation of LM cells.

Methods

The effects of genistein at 1 microg/ml on LM cells and SMC were evaluated using estrogen response element gene reporter, real-time RT-PCR, western blot, immunoprecipitation and cell proliferation assays.

Results

Elevated estrogen receptor (ER) transactivation, increased mRNA expression of early estrogen-responsive genes, progesterone receptor and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), and decreased protein levels of ER-alpha (ER alpha) were found in genistein

SUBMITTER: Di X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2733822 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature