Characterization and biological relevance of a 29-kDa, oestrogen receptor-related protein

The properties of a monoclonal antibody (D5) that can immunoprecipitate human oestradiol receptor (ER) under some but not all conditions are described. The antibody recognises a 29-kDa serine phosphoprotein that is qualitatively and quantitatively related to ER but not other steroid receptors or binding proteins. p29 will not complex with untreated cytosol ER but, after ammonium sulphate, KCl, heat or phosphatase treatments, interaction occurs that can be detected by immunoprecipitation with D5; molybdate and GTP inhibit complex formation. In human endometrium, p29 is increased by oestrogen and decreased by progestins. IRMA and histochemical assays for p29 have been developed and applied to a large series of human breast tumours. Most, but not all ER+ tumours are p29+, whilst ER-tumours are rarely p29+ unless they are also PR+. p29 predicts for clinical response to hormone therapy. ER+ p29+ tumours have a higher response rate than the ER+ p29-tumours. We do not know if p29 is a previously undetected component of the oestradiol receptor machinery or whether it is a product of oestrogen action.