Serotonin regulates β-casein expression via 5-HT7 receptors in human mammary epithelial MCF-12A cells

Biol Pharm Bull. 2015;38(3):448-53. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b14-00723.

Abstract

We previously reported that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) suppresses β-casein expression, a differentiation marker in mammary epithelial cells, via inhibition of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) phosphorylation in the human mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-12A. In this study, we investigated the expression pattern of the different 5-HT receptor subtypes in MCF-12A cells, and identified the receptors involved in 5-HT-mediated suppression of β-casein protein expression. β-Casein mRNA expression was inhibited by 30 µM 5-HT in a time-dependent manner. Treatment with 30 µM 5-HT for 72 h decreased β-casein protein levels and STAT5 phosphorylation (pSTAT5). The cells expressed four 5-HT receptors subtypes (5-HTR1D, 2B, 3A, and 7) at the mRNA and protein level, and their expression was elevated by prolactin (PRL) treatment. Additionally, the mRNA levels of 5-HTR1D and 5-HTR7 were significantly higher than the other 5-HT receptors in the cells. Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 mRNA was detectable in the cells in the absence of PRL, and PRL treatment significantly increased its expression. β-Casein and pSTAT5/STAT5 levels in the cells co-treated with 5-HT and a selective 5-HTR1D inhibitor, BRL15572, were equal to those observed in cells treated with 5-HT alone. However, in the cells co-treated with 5-HT and a selective 5-HTR7 inhibitor, SB269970, β-casein and pSTAT5/STAT5 levels increased in a SB269970 concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, we showed that 5-HT regulates β-casein expression via 5-HTR7 in MCF-12A human mammary epithelial cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast / metabolism*
  • Caseins / genetics
  • Caseins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 2 / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Prolactin / metabolism
  • Prolactin / pharmacology
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Receptors, Serotonin / genetics
  • Receptors, Serotonin / metabolism*
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor / metabolism
  • Serotonin / metabolism*
  • Serotonin / pharmacology
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / genetics
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase / metabolism

Substances

  • Caseins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Serotonin
  • STAT5 Transcription Factor
  • serotonin 7 receptor
  • Serotonin
  • Prolactin
  • Tryptophan Hydroxylase
  • Janus Kinase 2