title: Induction of iron homeostasis genes during estrogen-induced uterine growth and differentiation.
abstract: We have previously used genome-wide transcript profiling to investigate the relationships between changes in gene expression and physiological alterations during the response of the immature mouse uterus to estrogens. Here we describe the identification of a functionally inter-related group of estrogen-responsive genes associated with iron homeostasis, including the iron-binding protein lactotransferrin, the ferroxidase ceruloplasmin, the iron delivery protein lipocalin 2 and the iron-exporter ferroportin. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the expression of these genes increases with time during the uterotrophic response, reaching maximal levels in the post-proliferative phase (between 48 and 72 h). In contrast, the heme biosynthesis genes aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 and 2 were maximally induced by estrogen at 2 and 4 h, respectively, prior to increased cell proliferation. Together, these data reveal that estrogen induces the temporally coordinated expression of iron homeostasis genes in the mouse uterus, and suggest an important role for iron metabolism during sex steroid hormone-induced uterine cell growth and differentiation.
authors: Syngenta Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Cheshire SK10 4TJ, UK.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Stuckey
authors: Tom
authors: T
authors: Aldridge
authors: Fei Ling
authors: FL
authors: Lim
authors: David J
authors: DJ
authors: Moore
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Tinwell
authors: Nicola
authors: N
authors: Doherty
authors: Reginald
authors: R
authors: Davies
authors: Andrew G
authors: AG
authors: Smith
authors: Ian
authors: I
authors: Kimber
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Ashby
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Orphanides
authors: Jonathan G
authors: JG
authors: Moggs