BackgroundVarious lines of evidence have shown that bisphenol A [BPA; HO-C6H4-C(CH3)2-C6H4-OH] acts as an endocrine disruptor when present in very low doses. We have recently demonstrated that BPA binds strongly to human estrogen-related receptor-γ (ERR-γ ) in a binding assay using [3H]4-hydroxytamoxifen ([3H]4-OHT). We also demonstrated that BPA inhibits the deactivation activity of 4-OHT.ObjectivesIn the present study, we intended to obtain direct evidence that BPA interacts with ERR-γ as a strong binder, and also to clarify the structural requirements of BPA for its binding to ERR-γ.MethodsWe examined [3H]BPA in the saturation binding assay using the ligand binding domain of ERR-γ and analyzed the result using Scatchard plot analysis. A number of BPA derivatives were tested in the competitive binding assay using [3H]BPA as a tracer and in the luciferase reporter gene assay.Results[3H]BPA showed a KD of 5.50 nM at a Bmax of 14.4 nmol/mg. When we examined BPA derivatives to evaluate the structural essentials required for the binding of BPA to ERR-γ , we found that only one of the two phenol-hydroxyl groups was essential for the full binding. The maximal activity was attained when one of the methyl groups was removed. All of the potent BPA derivatives retained a high constitutive basal activity of ERR-γ in the luciferase reporter gene assay and exhibited a distinct inhibitory activity against 4-OHT.ConclusionThese results indicate that the phenol derivatives are potent candidates for the endocrine disruptor that binds to ERR-γ.

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Many lines of evidence reveal that bisphenol A (BPA) functions at very low doses as an endocrine disruptor. The human estrogen-related receptor gamma (ERR gamma) behaves as a constitutive activator of transcription, although the endogenous ligand is unknown. We have recently demonstrated that BPA binds strongly to ERR gamma (K(D) = 5.5 nM), but not to the estrogen receptor (ER). BPA preserves the ERR gamma's basal constitutive activity, and protects the selective ER modulator 4-hydroxytamoxifen from its deactivation of ERR gamma. In order to shed light on a molecular mechanism, we carried out the X-ray analysis of crystal structure of the ERR gamma ligand-binding domain (LBD) complexed with BPA. BPA binds to the receptor cavity without changing any internal structures of the pocket of the ERR gamma-LBD apo form. The hydrogen bonds of two phenol-hydroxyl groups, one with both Glu275 and Arg316, the other with Asn346, anchor BPA in the pocket, and surrounding hydrophobic bonds, especially with Tyr326, complete BPA's strong binding. Maintaining the 'activation helix' (helix 12) in an active conformation would as a result preserve receptor constitutive activity. Our results present the first evidence that the nuclear receptor forms complexes with the endocrine disruptor, providing detailed molecular insight into the interaction features.

BackgroundBisphenol AF has been acknowledged to be useful for the production of CF3-containing polymers with improved chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Because of the lack of adequate toxicity data, bisphenol AF has been nominated for comprehensive toxicological characterization.ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the relative preference of bisphenol AF for the human nuclear estrogenic receptors ERα and ERβ and the bisphenol A–specific estrogen-related receptor ERRγ, and to clarify structural characteristics of receptors that influence bisphenol AF binding.MethodsWe examined receptor-binding activities of bisphenol AF relative to [3H]17β-estradiol (for ERα and ERβ) and [3H]bisphenol A (for ERRγ). Functional luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to assess receptor activation in HeLa cells.ResultsWe found that bisphenol AF strongly and selectively binds to ERs over ERRγ. Furthermore, bisphenol AF receptor-binding activity was three times stronger for ERβ [IC50 (median inhibitory concentration) = 18.9 nM] than for ERα. When examined using a reporter gene assay, bisphenol AF was a full agonist for ERα. In contrast, it was almost completely inactive in stimulating the basal constitutive activity of ERβ. Surprisingly, bisphenol AF acted as a distinct and strong antagonist against the activity of the endogenous ERβ agonist 17β-estradiol.ConclusionOur results suggest that bisphenol AF could function as an endocrine-disrupting chemical by acting as an agonist or antagonist to perturb physiological processes mediated through ERα and/or ERβ.

The balance between androgens and estrogens is very important in the development of the prostate, and even small changes in estrogen levels, including those of estrogen-mimicking chemicals, can lead to serious changes. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, is a well-known, ubiquitous, estrogenic chemical. To investigate the effects of fetal exposure to low-dose BPA on the development of the prostate, we examined alterations of the in situ sex steroid hormonal environment in the mouse urogenital sinus (UGS). In the BPA-treated UGS, estradiol (E(2)) levels and CYP19A1 (cytochrome P450 aromatase) activity were significantly increased compared with those of the untreated and diethylstilbestrol (DES)-treated UGS. The mRNAs of steroidogenic enzymes, Cyp19a1 and Cyp11a1, and the sex-determining gene, Nr5a1, were up-regulated specifically in the BPA-treated group. The up-regulation of mRNAs was observed in the mesenchymal component of the UGS as well as in the cerebellum, heart, kidney, and ovary but not in the testis. The number of aromatase-expressing mesenchymal cells in the BPA-treated UGS was approximately twice that in the untreated and DES-treated UGS. The up-regulation of Esrrg mRNA was observed in organs for which mRNAs of steroidogenic enzymes were also up-regulated. We demonstrate here that fetal exposure to low-dose BPA has the unique action of increasing in situ E(2) levels and CYP19A1 (aromatase) activity in the mouse UGS. Our data suggest that BPA might interact with in situ steroidogenesis by altering tissue components, such as the accumulation of aromatase-expressing mesenchymal cells, in particular organs.