Formation of an hER alpha-COUP-TFI complex enhances hER alpha AF-1 through Ser118 phosphorylation by MAPK

The enhancement of the human estrogen receptor alpha (hER alpha, NR3A1) activity by the orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFI is found to depend on the establishment of a tight hER alpha-COUP-TFI complex. Formation of this complex seems to involve dynamic mechanisms different from those allowing hER alpha homodimerization. Although the hER alpha-COUP-TFI complex is present in all cells tested, the transcriptional cooperation between the two nuclear receptors is restricted to cell lines permissive to hER alpha activation function 1 (AF-1). In these cells, the physical interaction between COUP-TFI and hER alpha increases the affinity of hER alpha for ERK2/p42(MAPK), resulting in an enhanced phosphorylation state of the hER alpha Ser118. hER alpha thus acquires a strengthened AF-1 activity due to its hyperphosphorylation. These data indicate an alternative interaction process between nuclear receptors and demonstrate a novel protein intercommunication pathway that modulates hER alpha AF-1.