Re-expression of estrogen receptor alpha using a tetracycline-regulated gene expression system induced estrogen-mediated growth inhibition of the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line.

Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast carcinomas are often difficult to treat with antiestrogens. This work was performed to determine if the re-expression of the human ER alpha could restore the hormone response of these cells. We have transfected the human wild-type ER alpha to an ER-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) using a tetracycline-regulated gene expression system. We obtained a new cell line, MDA-A4-5/2. Cell count and flow cytometry "S" phase cell fraction showed that 17-beta-estradiol induced an inhibition on the proliferation of these cells; on the contrary, the antiestrogens ICI 182 780, and tamoxifen blocked this effect. Finally, we demonstrated an induction of the endogenous progesterone receptor gene when ER alpha was present. These results suggest that the re-expression of ER alpha in ER-negative breast cancer cells recreate, at least partially, a hormone-responsive phenotype and may be useful as a therapeutic approach to control this pathology.