Transcription Regulation Network Analysis of MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells Exposed to Estradiol

Background: In breast cancer, estrogen receptors have been demonstrated to interact with transcriptionfactors to regulate target gene expression. However, high-throughput identification of the transcription regulationrelationship between transcription factors and their target genes in response to estradiol is still in its infancy.Purpose: Thus, the objective of our study was to interpret the transcription regulation network of MCF7 breastcancer cells exposed to estradiol.
Methods: In this work, GSE11352 microarray data were used to identifydifferentially expressed genes (DEGs).
Results: Our results showed that the MYB (v-myb myeloblastosis viraloncogene homolog [avian]), PGR (progesterone receptor), and MYC (v-myc myelocytomatosis viral oncogenehomolog [avian]) were hub nodes in our transcriptome network, which may interact with ER and, in turn, regulatetarget gene expression. MYB can up-regulate MCM3 (minichromosome maintenance 3) and MCM7 expression;PGR can suppress BCL2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) expression; MYC can inhibit TGFB2 (transforming growth factor,beta 2) expression. These genes are associated with breast cancer progression via cell cycling and the TGFβsignaling pathway.
Conclusion: Analysis of transcriptional regulation may provide a better understanding ofmolecular mechanisms and clues to potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of breast cancer.