Background: Estrogens exert profound effects on target tissues. These effects are mediated by two estrogen receptors (ER(alpha) and ER(beta)) that bind to specific DNA sequences in estrogen-dependent genes. Other molecules such as growth factors, transcription factors and some oncoproteins might interact with the estrogen receptors and thus regulate the transcription of these genes. Currently there is no adequate cellular model to study these interactions.
Methods: We transfected the human wild-type ER(alpha) to an ER-negative rat epithelial endometrial cell line (Rentr01) using a tetracycline-regulated gene expression system. The exogenous receptor was correctly translated, had an appropriate hormone-binding affinity, and bound well to estrogen response elements containing DNA.
Results: We obtained a new stable cell line that is ER(beta) negative but ER(alpha) positive (R1-49E1). The expression of receptor alpha can be regulated in a dose-response manner by addition of tetracycline in the culture medium. Estradiol treatment of ER(alpha)-containing cells apparently diminished cellular proliferation, and the exogenous receptor can induce the transcription of the endogenous progesterone receptor isoform B (PgR-B) gene.
Conclusions: This epithelial cellular model may be useful to study the interaction between estrogens and other cell signaling pathways in epithelial endometrial cell physiology.