Effects of resveratrol on the expression of a panel of genes interacting with the BRCA1 oncosuppressor in human breast cell lines.

BACKGROUND

trans-Resveratrol, or 3,5,4'trihydroxy-trans-stilbene, is a polyphenolic compound that seems to provide a protective effect against several types of cancer, notably breast cancer. Through its phytoestrogenic properties it regulates the expression of hormone-dependent genes, such as the oncosuppressor BRCA1, in breast cells. This gene is involved in the majority of hereditary breast cancer, as well as sporadic cancers.

METHODS

We used three human breast tumor cell lines (HBL100, MCF7 and MBA-MB-231) and one breast cell line (MCF10a) derived from a fibrocystic disease to study in vitro the effect of resveratrol on the transcription of a group of genes whose proteins interact in different pathways with BRCA1. BRCA1, BRCA2, ER alpha, ER beta, p53, p21(waf1/cip1), CBP/P300, RAD51, pS2 and Ki67 mRNA were quantified using real-time quantitative RT-PCR with an ABI 7700 apparatus.

RESULTS

Resveratrol modulated the expression of these genes in a pattern dependent on the status of alpha and beta estrogen receptors. These results show that resveratrol regulates gene expression via the estrogen receptor pathway and also an undetermined pathway.

CONCLUSION

Thus, resveratrol seems to have an effect on breast tumor cell lines, on a fibrocystic cell line by affecting several factors regulating the function of BRCA1.