Estrogen-related receptor gamma functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer

Nat Commun. 2018 May 15;9(1):1920. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-04244-2.

Abstract

The principle factors underlying gastric cancer (GC) development and outcomes are not well characterized resulting in a paucity of validated therapeutic targets. To identify potential molecular targets, we analyze gene expression data from GC patients and identify the nuclear receptor ESRRG as a candidate tumor suppressor. ESRRG expression is decreased in GC and is a predictor of a poor clinical outcome. Importantly, ESRRG suppresses GC cell growth and tumorigenesis. Gene expression profiling suggests that ESRRG antagonizes Wnt signaling via the suppression of TCF4/LEF1 binding to the CCND1 promoter. Indeed, ESRRG levels are found to be inversely correlated with Wnt signaling-associated genes in GC patients. Strikingly, the ESRRG agonist DY131 suppresses cancer growth and represses the expression of Wnt signaling genes. Our present findings thus demonstrate that ESRRG functions as a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway in GC and is a potential therapeutic target for this cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics
  • Stomach Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factor 4 / genetics
  • Transcription Factor 4 / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway

Substances

  • ESRRG protein, human
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • TCF4 protein, human
  • Transcription Factor 4