Ets1 and ESE1 reciprocally regulate expression of ZEB1/ZEB2, dependent on ERK1/2 activity, in breast cancer cells

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition ( EMT ) is a crucial morphological event that occurs during progression of epithelial tumors. We reported previously that levels of the δ‐crystallin/E2‐box factor 1 (δ EF 1) family proteins (Zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 [ ZEB 1]/δ EF 1 and ZEB 2/ Smad‐interacting protein 1), key regulators of the EMT , are positively correlated with EMT phenotypes and aggressiveness of breast cancer. Here, we show that Ets1 induces ZEB expression and activates the ZEB 1 promoter, independently of its threonine 38 phosphorylation status. In the basal‐like subtype of breast cancer cells, si RNA s targeting Ets1 repressed expression of ZEB s and partially restored their epithelial phenotypes and sensitivity to antitumor drugs. Epithelium‐specific ETS transcription factor 1 ( ESE 1), a member of the Ets transcription factor family, was originally characterized as being expressed in an epithelial‐restricted pattern, placing it within the epithelium‐specific ETS subfamily. ESE 1, highly expressed in the luminal subtype of breast cancer cells, was repressed by activation of the MEK – ERK pathway, resulting in induction of ZEB s through Ets1 upregulation. Conversely, Ets1, highly expressed in the basal‐like subtype, was repressed by inactivation of MEK – ERK pathway, resulting in reduction of ZEB s through ESE 1 upregulation. These findings suggest that ESE 1 and Ets1, whose expressions are reciprocally regulated by the MEK – ERK pathway, define the EMT phenotype through controlling expression of ZEB s in each subtype of breast cancer cells.