Small proline-rich protein 2 family is a cluster of genes induced by estrogenic compounds through nuclear estrogen receptors in the mouse uterus.

We have investigated the potential actions of E(2) and endocrine disruptors (EDs) with estrogenic activity, such as bisphenol A, on the regulation of the Sprr2 family of genes in the mouse uterus using real-time RT-PCR, RT-PCR and Western blotting. Most members of Sprr2 genes that are induced by E(2), such as Sprr2a, 2b and 2e, showed E(2) dose-dependent increase at mRNA levels. Sprr2 expression was considerably reduced by pretreatment with ICI 182,780, an antagonist for nuclear estrogen receptors. Progesterone moderately dampened E(2)-induced Sprr2 expression. Furthermore, EDs comparably induced the expression of Sprr2 genes in a dose-dependent manner and EDs-induced Sprr2 expression was similarly modulated by ICI 182,780 and progesterone, strongly suggesting that they are, indeed, an estrogen-responsive gene family. Collectively, dose-dependent induction of Sprr2 genes by estrogen and EDs is primarily mediated via the genomic actions of estrogen signaling in the uterus, but not in other reproductive tracts, in mice.