Suppression of cell proliferation by inhibition of estrone-3-sulfate transporter in estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells

Purpose. The aim of the study is to suppress the progress of estrogen-dependent breast cancer by inhibiting the membrane transporter, which mediates the internalization of estrone-3-sulfate as estrogen precursor in the cancer cells. Methods. The uptake of estrone-3-sulfate by estrogen-dependent breast cancer MCF-7 cells was measured, and inhibitory study using various organic anions on estrone-3-sulfate uptake by MCF-7 cells was conducted. The effects of the inhibitor on the transcription of reporter gene and cell proliferation induced by estrone-3-sulfate were examined. Results. The uptake of estrone-3-sulfate by MCF-7 cells was saturable with K-m value of 2.32 mu M. The uptake was Na+-independent and was inhibited by several anionic compounds such as bromosulfophthalein. Bromosulfophthalein also significantly inhibited the transcription of reporter gene via estrogen response element and cell proliferation induced by estrone-3-sulfate. However, the transcriptional activation or cell proliferation induced by estrone was not inhibited by bromosulfophthalein. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the expression of mRNA of organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)-D and OATP-E as possible candidates to transport estrone-3-sulfate. Conclusions. The uptake of estrone-3-sulfate is mediated by Na+-independent transporter(s). Inhibitor of estrone-3-sulfate transporter suppressed the transcription and cell proliferation induced by estrone-3-sulfate in MCF-7 cells. The results provide the basis of a novel strategy for breast cancer treatment by focusing on the transporter responsible for the uptake of estrone-3-sulfate.