ER{beta}-dependent effects on uterine endothelial cells are cell specific and mediated via Sp1
STUDY QUESTION
What are the in vitro effects of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) activation on the function of endothelial cells (ECs) from different vascular beds: human endometrial ECs (HEECs; endometrium), uterine myometrial microvascular ECs (UtMVECs; myometrium) and human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs)?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Studies conducted in vitro demonstrate that the ERβ agonist 2,3-bis(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) has EC type-specific effects on patterns of gene expression and network formation. Identification of a key role for the transcription factor Sp1 in ERβ-dependent signaling in uterine ECs offers new insights into cell-specific molecular mechanisms of estrogen action in the human uterus.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Estrogens, acting via ERs (ERα and ERβ), have important, body-wide impacts on the vasculature. The human uterus is an estrogen target organ, the endometrial lining of which exhibits physiological, cyclical angiogenesis. In fixed tissue sections, human endometrial ECs are immunopositive for ERβ.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
Cells were treated with a vehicle control or the ERβ agonist, DPN, for 2 h or 24 h (n = 5) followed by gene expression analysis. Functional assays were analyzed after a 16 h incubation with ligand (n = 5).
PARTICIPANT/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Analysis of DPN-treated ECs using Taqman gene array cards focused on genes involved in angiogenesis and inflammation identified cell type-specific ER&beta...
Source: Human Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Greaves, E., Collins, F., Critchley, H. O. D., Saunders, P. T. K. Tags: Reproductive biology Source Type: research
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