Use of reporter cell lines for detection of endocrine-disrupter activity.
We have studied stable transformed human mammary cell lines with highly inducible steroid receptor-mediated luciferase reporter gene expression. Cells responding specifically to glucocorticoids, progestagens, androgens, or estrogens are described and characterized. The use of this high-throughput, cell-based assay for analysis of steroid (ant)agonists is reported. Systematic characterization of endocrine-disrupting activity on human receptors and in a human-cell system is interpreted for a selection of xenobiotics. We show that the phytoestrogens apigenin and genistin have progestagenic and androgenic activity, respectively. Finally, application of cell-based assays to the analysis of environmental samples is discussed.
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D006801:Humans; D008156:Luciferases / Q000235:genetics; D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid / Q000235:genetics
D011965:Receptors, Glucocorticoid; D008156:Luciferases