Aromatase converts androgen to estrogen. Aromatase is expressed at a higher level in breast cancer tissue than in benign tissue. In situ estrogen biosynthesis in tumor tissue has been shown to play both an autocrine and an endocrine role in promoting tumor growth. Suppression of in situ estrogen biosynthesis can be achieved by the prevention of aromatase expression in breast tumors or by the inhibition of aromatase activity. The regulation of aromatase expression is different in tumor tissue and benign tissue. Based on results generated from this and other laboratories, it is hypothesized that in normal breast stromal cells, aromatase expression is driven by a promoter (1.4) that is regulated by glucocorticoid, and the action of promoters 1.3 and II is suppressed by a silencer negative regulatory element. However, in cancer tissue, cAMP production increases and aromatase promoters are switched to cAMP-dependent promoters, i.e., 1.3 and II.
In Aim 1, the applicant proposes to perform a thorough study to determine the regulatory mechanism of promoters 1.3 and II In breast cancer cells, based on important information obtained during the previous grant period. It is hypothesized that understanding of the regulatory mechanism of promoters 1.3 and II will lead to the development of breast cancer treatment strategies by selectively suppressing aromatase/estrogen formation in breast cancer cells. During the last five years, aromatase inhibitors have been demonstrated to be superior to tamoxifen with the treatment of hormonal dependent breast cancer. Furthermore, steroidal inhibitors and nonsteroidal inhibitors have been shown to maintain their efficacy when used sequentially.
In Aim 2, the applicant proposes to perform x-ray structure analysis, computer modeling and site-directed mutagenesis experiments to determine how different inhibitors interact with aromatase. It is hypothesized that results generated from structure-function studies will help us to better understand how different inhibitors interact with the enzyme and provide critical structural information for the design of the next generation of aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer treatment. In addition, while these new generations of aromatase inhibitors are shown to be useful in the treatment of hormonal responsive breast cancer, resistance to such endocrine therapy still develop.
In Aim 3, the applicant proposes to perform a careful and thorough analysis of the results obtained from our microarray analysis, to identify and functionally confirm the roles of genes Involved In resistance. It is hypothesized that these studies will produce valuable molecular information regarding the mechanisms of aromatase inhibitor resistance, and the information will help design approaches to reduce resistance and improve the efficacy of aromatase inhibitor treatments of breast cancer.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA044735-19
Application #
7348407
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ONC-Q (01))
Program Officer
Sathyamoorthy, Neeraja
Project Start
1997-06-01
Project End
2010-02-28
Budget Start
2008-03-07
Budget End
2009-02-28
Support Year
19
Fiscal Year
2008
Total Cost
$402,019
Indirect Cost
Name
City of Hope/Beckman Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
027176833
City
Duarte
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
91010
Wang, Yuanzhong; Zhou, Dujin; Phung, Sheryl et al. (2017) SGK3 sustains ER? signaling and drives acquired aromatase inhibitor resistance through maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114:E1500-E1508
Kanaya, Noriko; Somlo, George; Wu, Jun et al. (2017) Characterization of patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) as models for estrogen receptor positive (ER+HER2- and ER+HER2+) breast cancers. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 170:65-74
Chan, Hei Jason; Petrossian, Karineh; Chen, Shiuan (2016) Structural and functional characterization of aromatase, estrogen receptor, and their genes in endocrine-responsive and -resistant breast cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 161:73-83
Chan, Hei Jason; Li, Haiqing; Liu, Zheng et al. (2015) SERPINA1 is a direct estrogen receptor target gene and a predictor of survival in breast cancer patients. Oncotarget 6:25815-27
Wang, Yuanzhong; Xu, Wanping; Zhou, Dujin et al. (2014) Coordinated regulation of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 3 by a C-terminal hydrophobic motif and Hsp90-Cdc37 chaperone complex. J Biol Chem 289:4815-26
Wang, Yuanzhong; Zhou, Dujin; Chen, Shiuan (2014) SGK3 is an androgen-inducible kinase promoting prostate cancer cell proliferation through activation of p70 S6 kinase and up-regulation of cyclin D1. Mol Endocrinol 28:935-48
Wong, Cynthie; Wang, Xin; Smith, David et al. (2012) AKT-aro and HER2-aro, models for de novo resistance to aromatase inhibitors; molecular characterization and inhibitor response studies. Breast Cancer Res Treat 134:671-81
Wong, Cynthie; Chen, Shiuan (2012) The development, application and limitations of breast cancer cell lines to study tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor resistance. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 131:83-92
Hong, Yanyan; Chen, Shiuan (2011) Aromatase, estrone sulfatase, and 17ýý-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: structure-function studies and inhibitor development. Mol Cell Endocrinol 340:120-6
Wang, Yuanzhong; Zhou, Dujin; Phung, Sheryl et al. (2011) SGK3 is an estrogen-inducible kinase promoting estrogen-mediated survival of breast cancer cells. Mol Endocrinol 25:72-82

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