Ligand binding dynamics rewire cellular signaling via Estrogen Receptor-alpha
Srinivasan, S., Nwachukwu, J.C., Parent, A.A., Cavett, V., Nowak, J., Hughes, T.S., Kojetin, D.J., Katzenellenbogen, J.A., Nettles, K.W.(2013) Nat Chem Biol 9: 326-332
- PubMed: 23524984 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.1214
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
4IU7, 4IUI, 4IV2, 4IV4, 4IVW, 4IVY, 4IW6, 4IW8, 4IWC, 4IWF - PubMed Abstract: 
Ligand-binding dynamics control allosteric signaling through the estrogen receptor-α (ERα), but the biological consequences of such dynamic binding orientations are unknown. Here, we compare a set of ER ligands having dynamic binding orientation (dynamic ligands) with a control set of isomers that are constrained to bind in a single orientation (constrained ligands). Proliferation of breast cancer cells directed by constrained ligands is associated with DNA binding, coactivator recruitment and activation of the estrogen-induced gene GREB1, reflecting a highly interconnected signaling network. In contrast, proliferation driven by dynamic ligands is associated with induction of ERα-mediated transcription in a DNA-binding domain (DBD)-dependent manner. Further, dynamic ligands showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. The DBD-dependent profile was predictive of these signaling patterns in a larger diverse set of natural and synthetic ligands. Thus, ligand dynamics directs unique signaling pathways and reveals a new role of the DBD in allosteric control of ERα-mediated signaling.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Cancer Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA.