Trefoil factor 3 is oncogenic and mediates anti-estrogen resistance in human mammary carcinoma

Nagarajan Kannan, Ian Kang, Xiangjun Kong, Jianzhong Tang, Jo K. Perry, Kumarasamypet M. Mohankumar, Lance D. Miller, Edison T. Liu, Hichem C. Mertani, Tao Zhu, Prudence M. Grandison, Dong Xu Liu, Peter E. Lobie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

We report herein that trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is oncogenic and mediates anti-estrogen resistance in human mammary carcinoma. Forced expression of TFF3 in mammary carcinoma cells increased cell proliferation and survival, enhanced anchorage-independent growth, and promoted migration and invasion. Moreover, forced expression of TFF3 increased tumor size in xenograft models. Conversely, depletion of endogenous TFF3 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the oncogenicity and invasiveness of mammary carcinoma cells. Neutralization of secreted TFF3 by antibody promoted apoptosis, decreased cell growth in vitro, and arrested mammary carcinoma xenograft growth. TFF3 expression was significantly correlated to decreased survival of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. Forced expression of TFF3 in mammary carcinoma cells increased ER transcriptional activity, promoted estrogen-independent growth, and produced resistance to tamoxifen and fulvestrant in vitro and to tamoxifen in xenograft models. siRNA-mediated depletion or antibody inhibition of TFF3 significantly enhanced the efficacy of antiestrogens. Increased TFF3 expression was observed in tamoxifen-resistant (TAMR) cells and antibody inhibition of TFF3 in TAMR cells improved tamoxifen sensitivity. Functional antagonism of TFF3 therefore warrants consideration as a novel therapeutic strategy for mammary carcinoma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1041-1053
Number of pages13
JournalNeoplasia
Volume12
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cancer Research

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