Estrogen increases Mcl-1 mRNA expression.

<p>Real-time PCR analysis of Mcl-1 transcript levels in (A) MCF-7 and (B) ZR-75 was performed following 24-hour stimulation with estrogen (10 nM). In addition, Real-time PCR analysis of Mcl-1 transcript levels in (C) MCF-7 and (D) ZR-75 was performed following a short 6-hour time course with estrogen (10 nM). E) Finally, MCF-7 cells were treated with a range of estrogen concentrations (0.1 nM–10 nM) and Mcl-1 mRNA levels analyzed after 6 hours. In all experiments, 100 ng template RNA was amplified using primers specific to Mcl-1. qPCR results were standardized using primers for housekeeping gene cyclophilin or TATA box binding protein (TBP). Fold change represents the results relative to changes in basal levels observed in untreated sample. Data represents the mean of three independent experiments ± standard error. (* indicates p≤0.0002 compared to untreated control cells).