Catechol-O-methyltransferase expression and 2-methoxyestradiol affect microtubule dynamics and modify steroid receptor signaling in leiomyoma cells

Salama A. Salama, Marwa W. Kamel, Shaleen Botting, Sana M. Salih, Mostafa Borahay, Ahmed A. Hamed, Gokhan S. Kilic, Muhammad Saeed, Marian Y. Williams, Concepcion R. Diaz-Arrastia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

41 Scopus citations

Abstract

Context: Development of optimal medicinal treatments of uterine leiomyomas represents a significant challenge. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is an endogenous estrogen metabolite formed by sequential action of CYP450s and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Our previous study demonstrated that 2ME is a potent antiproliferative, proapoptotic, antiangiogenic, and collagen synthesis inhibitor in human leiomyomas cells (huLM). Objectives: Our objectives were to investigate whether COMT expression, by the virtue of 2ME formation, affects the growth of huLM, and to explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms whereby COMT expression or treatment with 2ME affect these cells. Results: Our data demonstrated that E2-induced proliferation was less pronounced in cells over-expressing COMT or treated with 2ME (500 nM). This effect on cell proliferation was associated with microtubules stabilization and diminution of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) transcriptional activities, due to shifts in their subcellular localization and sequestration in the cytoplasm. In addition, COMT over expression or treatment with 2ME reduced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor -1α (HIF-1 α) and the basal level as well as TNF-α-induced aromatase (CYP19) expression. Conclusions: COMT over expression or treatment with 2ME stabilize microtubules, ameliorates E2-induced proliferation, inhibits ERα and PR signaling, and reduces HIF-1 α and CYP19 expression in human uterine leiomyoma cells. Thus, microtubules are a candidate target for treatment of uterine leiomyomas. In addition, the naturally occurring microtubule-targeting agent 2ME represents a potential new therapeutic for uterine leiomyomas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere7356
JournalPloS one
Volume4
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 7 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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