Oestrogen Represses Noggin Expression by Interfering With BMP/Smad Signalling in ER Positive Breast Cancer.

Background/aim: As an antagonist of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Noggin facilitates osteolytic bone metastases from breast cancer. The present study aimed to further dissect its role in oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer.

Materials and methods: Noggin expression in ER positive breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and T-47D) was determined under conditions of oestrogen deprivation and treatment with 17-β-oestradiol (E₂). Activation of Smad1/5/8 in the oestrogen-regulated Noggin was examined using recombinant human BMP7 (rhBMP7) and a BMP receptor inhibitor (LDN-193189). The influence of Noggin on cellular functions was evaluated in MCF-7 and T-47D cell lines. Responses to tamoxifen and chemotherapy drugs were determined in MCF-7 and T-47D cells with Noggin over-expression using MTT assay.

Results: Noggin expression was negatively correlated with ERα in breast cancers. Noggin was up-regulated upon oestrogen deprivation, an effect that was eliminated by E₂ Furthermore, increased levels of phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 were observed in the oestrogen-deprived MCF-7 and T-47D cells, which was prevented by E₂ and LDN-193189, respectively. BMP7-induced Noggin expression and activation of Smad1/5/8 was also prevented by E₂ and LDN-193189. Noggin over-expression resulted in an increase in the proliferation of both MCF-7 and T-47D cells. MCF-7 and T-47D cells over-expressing Noggin exhibited a good tolerance to tamoxifen (TAM), DTX, and 5-FU, but the percentage of viable cells was higher compared with the controls.

Conclusion: Noggin expression can be repressed by oestrogen through inference with the BMP/Smad signalling. Over-expression of Noggin promotes the proliferation of MCF-7 and T-47D cells, contributing to drug resistance.