Olfactomedin-4 Regulation by Estrogen in the Human Endometrium Requires Epidermal Growth Factor Signaling

Hellen Dassen, Chamindie Punyadeera, Bert Delvoux, Iris A. Schulkens, Claudia Marchetti, Rick Kamps, Jan P. G. Klomp, Fred Dijcks, Anton F. P. M. de Goeij, Thomas D'Hooghe, Cleophas Kyama, Antwan Ederveen, Gerard Dunselman, Patrick Groothuis, Andrea Romano*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Olfactomedin-4 (OLFM-4) is an extracellular matrix protein that is highly expressed in human endometrium. We have examined the regulation and function of OLFM-4 in normal endometrium and in cases of endometriosis and endometrial cancer. OLFM-4 expression levels are highest in proliferative-phase endometrium, and 17 beta-estradiol up-regulates OLFM-4 mRNA in endometrial explant cultures. Using the luciferase reporter under control of the OLFM-4 promoter, it was shown that both 17 beta-estradiol and OH-tamoxifen induce luciferase activity, and epidermal growth factor receptor-1 is required for this estrogenic response. In turn, EGF activates the OLFM-4 promoter, and estrogen receptor-alpha is needed for the complete EGF response. The cellular functions of OLFM-4 were examined by its expression in OLFM-4-negative HEK-293 cells, which resulted in decreased vimentin expression and cell adherence as well as increased apoptosis resistance. In cases of endometriosis and endometrial cancer, OLFM-4 expression correlated with the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor-1 and estrogen receptor-alpha (or estrogen signaling). An increase of OLFM-4 mRNA was observed in the endometrium of endometriosis patients. No change in OLFM-4 expression levels were observed in patients with endometrial cancer relative with controts. In conclusion, cross-talk between estrogen and EGF signaling regulates OLFM-4 expression. The role of OLFM-4 in endometrial tissue remodeling before the secretory phase and during the predisposition and early events in endometriosis can be postulated but requires additional investigation. (Am J Pathol 2010, 177:2495-2508: DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.100026
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2495-2508
JournalAmerican Journal of Pathology
Volume177
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2010

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