Effects of resveratrol on the expression of a panel of genes interacting with the BRCA1 oncosuppressor in human breast cell lines

Background: trans-Resveratrol, or 3,5,4'trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, is a polyphenolic compound that seems to provide a protective effect against several types of cancer, notably breast cancer. Through its phytoestrogenic properties it regulates the expression of hormone-dependent genes, such as the oncosuppressor BRCA1, in breast cells. This gene is involved in the majority of hereditary breast cancer, as well as sporadic cancers. Methods: We used three human breast tumor cell lines (HBL100, MCF7 and MBA-MB-231) and one breast cell line (MCF10a) derived from a fibrocystic disease to study in vitro the effect of resveratrol on the transcription of a group of genes whose proteins interact in different pathways with BRCA1. BRCA1, BRCA2, ER alpha, ER beta, p53, p21(waf1/cip1), CBP/P300, RAD51, pS2 and Ki67 mRNA were quantified using real-time quantitative RT-PCR with an ABI 7700 apparatus. Results: Resveratrol modulated the expression of these genes in a pattern dependent on the status of alpha and beta estrogen receptors. These results show that resveratrol regulates gene expression via the estrogen receptor pathway and also an undetermined pathway. Conclusion: Thus, resveratrol seems to have an effect on breast tumor cell lines, on a fibrocystic cell line by affecting several factors regulating the function of BRCA1. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.