Identification and characterization of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) as an estrogen receptor α specific serum biomarker

Abstract

Estrogen Receptor α (ERα) and Estrogen Receptor β (ERβ) are steroid nuclear receptors that transduce estrogen signaling to control diverse physiological processes linked to reproduction, bone remodeling, behavior, immune response and endocrine-related diseases. In order to differentiate between ERα and ERβ mediated effects in vivo, ER subtype selective biomarkers are essential. We utilized ERα knockout (AERKO) and ERβ knockout (BERKO) mouse liver RNA and genome wide profiling to identify novel ERα selective serum biomarker candidates. Results from the gene array experiments were validated using real-time RT-PCR and subsequent ELISA’s to demonstrate changes in serum proteins. Here we present data that Lipopolysacharide Binding Protein (LBP) is a novel liver-derived ERα selective biomarker that can be measured in serum.

Keywords::

• Serum protein
• steroid nuclear receptor
• endocrine
• estradiol

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge and thank Sheng-Jian Cai, Carolyn Mickel, and Elizabeth Birzin for their excellent technical assistance.

Declaration of interest

Michael J. Chisamore, Kwok-lam Karen Ho, Chun Cheng, Stephen E. Alves, Susan P. Rohrer, and Hilary A. Wilkinson are employed by Merck & Co., Inc.