Estrogen-induced factors of breast cancer cells partially replace estrogen to promote tumor growth.
The hormone 17 beta-estradiol acts through its receptor system to induce MCF-7 human breast cancer cells to form tumors in athymic mice. In vitro studies have identified the production of estrogen-induced growth factors from MCF-7 cells that may have a role in growth control. These induced growth factors were sufficient to stimulate MCF-7 tumor growth in ovariectomized athymic mice, thus partially replacing estradiol. Growth factors may act as estrogen-induced "second messengers" in estrogen-responsive growth of human breast cancer.
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D002455:Cell Division; D002460:Cell Line; D003470:Culture Media; D004958:Estradiol / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D010052:Ovariectomy; D011959:Receptors, Estradiol / Q000502:physiology*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000502:physiology*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous
D003470:Culture Media; D011959:Receptors, Estradiol; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D004958:Estradiol