Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
A Hyperandrogenic Mouse Model to Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Published on: October 2, 2018
Elevated hepatic SULT1E1 activity in mouse models of cystic fibrosis alters the regulation of estrogen responsive
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 1670 University Blvd., Volker Hall G133M, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Background:
Previous studies with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) DeltaF508 mice indicate that estrogen levels may play a role in the occurrence or severity of CF-associated liver disease. However, the underlying mechanisms of liver disease in CF are poorly understood.
Methods:
The levels of SULT1E1 (estrogen sulfotransferase) were measured in livers of control and CFTR-knockout (KO) mice. The impact of increased SULT1E1 activity on hepatic protein expression was assessed by immunoblot and MALDI mass spectrometric analysis.
Results:
SULT1E1 expression was significantly elevated in livers of several CFTR-KO mice. SULT1E1 and CFTR were specifically detected in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, respectively. Elevated SULT1E1 activity may result in lower levels of free beta-estradiol thereby altering estrogen-responsive hepatic protein expression. Estrogen receptors (ER)-alpha and beta were differentially regulated in CFTR-KO and CFTR-DeltaF508 mice. ERalpha expression was reduced in mice with high SULT1E1 activity. Glutathione S-transferase-P1 and carbonic anhydrase III were significantly decreased in CFTR (-/-) mice with high SULT1E1 activity. Furthermore, cytochrome P450 2B9, also estrogen regulated, was significantly induced in the livers of CFTR (-/-) mice with high SULT1E1 activity.
Conclusions:
Elevated SULT1E1 levels and associated alterations in estrogen-regulated hepatic protein expression may play an important role in CF liver disease.
