Our previous studies demonstrated that 17␤-estradiol (E2) rapidly induces the interaction of estrogen receptor ␣ (ER␣) with the adapter protein Shc, the translocation of ER␣ to the cell membrane, and the formation of dynamic membrane structures in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The present study examined how E2 causes ER␣ to translocate to the region of the plasma membrane and focused on mechanisms whereby Shc and the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) mediate this process. Shc physically interacts with IGF-1R in the plasma membrane, and E2 activates IGF-1R. We reasoned that ER␣, when bound to Shc, would be directed to the region of the plasma membrane by the same processes, causing membrane translocation of Shc. We confirmed that E2 rapidly induced IGF-1R phosphorylation and demonstrated that E2 induced formation of a ternary protein complex among Shc, ER␣, and IGF-1R. Knock down of Shc with a specific small inhibitory RNA decreased the association of ER␣ with IGF-1R by 87%, suggesting that Shc is a crucial molecule in the formation of this ternary complex. Confocal microscopy studies provided further confirmation of the functional roles of Shc and the IGF-1R in the translocation of ER␣ to the region of the membrane. Down-regulation of Shc, ER␣, or IGF-1R with specific small inhibitory RNAs all blocked E2-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Together, our results demonstrate that Shc and IGF-1R serve as key elements in the translocation of ER␣ to the cell membrane and in the facilitation of ER␣-mediated rapid E2 action.

Tumor regression induced by high-dose estrogen therapy in postmenopausal woman may result from estrogen activation of Fas-mediated apoptosis.

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