Phosphorylation of estrogen receptor alpha, serine residue 305 enhances activity.

Upon ligand binding the estrogen receptor alters its conformation, dimerizes, binds to estrogen response elements (EREs), recruits cofactors and initiates the formation of a transcriptional complex. In addition to estradiol binding, hormone receptor activity is modulated by phosphorylation at several key residues. Previous studies have shown that p21-activated kinase-1 (Pak1) and cyclic-AMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) can phosphorylate ERalpha at serine residue 305.

Point mutation in the NF2 gene of HEI-193 human schwannoma cells results in the expression of a merlin isoform with attenuated growth suppressive activity.

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of bilateral schwannomas of the eighth cranial nerve. Although the protein product of the NF2 gene (merlin) is a classical tumor suppressor, the mechanism by which merlin suppresses cell proliferation is not fully understood. The availability of isolated tumor cells would facilitate a better understanding of the molecular function of merlin, but primary schwannoma cells obtained from patients grow slowly and do not yield adequate numbers for biochemical analysis.

Identification and characterization of novel human transcripts embedded within HMGA2 in t(12;14)(q15;q24.1) uterine leiomyoma.

The high mobility group A2 protein (HMGA2) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of mesenchymal tumors such as leiomyoma, lipoma and hamartoma. HMGA2 was pinpointed by mapping the breakpoints in the chromosomal translocations in 12q15, especially the t(12;14) that is commonly seen in uterine leiomyoma. It is generally assumed that altered expression of HMGA2 is an early event in the pathway to tumor formation.

Tissue involution and the acute phase response.

After their roles in reproduction are completed, the mass of the uterus and the mammary gland decrease rapidly by the process of involution that involves an ordered series of events including apoptosis, neutrophil entry, the release of degradative enzymes, and phagocytosis of cellular debris. The acute phase proteins are produced by the liver and other tissues in response to inflammation or a toxic challenge. Uterocalin (SIP24/24p3) is one of these proteins.