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Updated: May 9, 2026
09:07
Detecting the Ligand-binding Domain Dimerization Activity of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Using the Mammalian Two-Hybrid Assay
Published on: December 19, 2018
DNA homologous recombination factor SFR1 physically and functionally interacts with estrogen receptor alpha
Yuxin Feng1, David Singleton, Chun Guo
1Department of Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America.
Plos One
|July 23, 2013
Summary
Scientists discovered SFR1, a DNA repair protein, as a new partner for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). SFR1 enhances ERα
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Genetics
Background:
- Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a transcription factor regulating gene expression, crucial for normal cellular functions.
- Dysregulation of ERα activity is implicated in diseases, notably breast cancer.
- Numerous nuclear receptor cofactors, like SRC1, modulate ERα transcriptional activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel binding partners of ERα.
- To investigate the role of SFR1, a DNA homologous recombination protein, in ERα transcriptional regulation and cancer cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Yeast two-hybrid screening to identify ERα interacting proteins.
- In vivo validation using immunoprecipitation and mammalian one-hybrid assays.
- Co-localization studies, chromatin immunoprecipitation, gene expression analysis, and cell proliferation assays following SFR1 manipulation (knockdown/overexpression).
Main Results:
- SFR1 was identified as a novel binding partner of ERα, confirmed through multiple assays.
- SFR1 co-localizes with ERα in the nucleus and enhances both ligand-dependent and -independent ERα transcriptional activity.
- SFR1 knockdown reduces ERα activity and affects ER-dependent and -independent cancer cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- SFR1 acts as a novel transcriptional modulator for ERα, distinct from coactivators like SRC1.
- SFR1 plays a significant role in regulating ERα activity and cancer cell proliferation.
- SFR1 represents a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.
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