CtIP silencing as a novel mechanism of tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer.

AbstractAcquired resistance to the antiestrogen tamoxifen constitutes a major clinical challenge in breast cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms involved are still poorly understood. Using serial analysis of gene expression, we identified CtIP, a BRCA1- and CtBP-interacting protein, as one of the most significantly down-regulated transcripts in estrogen receptor α–positive (ER+) MCF-7 tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. We further confirmed the association of CtIP down-regulation with tamoxifen resistance in an additional ER+ breast cancer line (T47D), strengthening the relevance of the phenomenon observed. In additional studies, we found CtIP protein expression in a majority of ER+ …