Molecular analysis of novel targets of endocrine disrupters

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Although the specific mechanisms underlying the action of endocrine disrupters are not well understood, one well-recognized hypothesis states that some environmental chemicals mimic or disturb the action of the endocrine systems. For example, some endocrine disrupters are thought to mimic estrogenic action, but there is no direct evidence that estrogen receptors are responsible for the mediating the diverse effect of endocrine disrupters. In order to clarify the actual target molecule of the endocrine disrupters, we performed affinity purification of endocrine disrupter binding proteins. For the affinity purification, we applied our novel beads as a support of the chemicals. We purified Atrazine binding proteins, phthalate binding proteins and nonylphenol binding proteins. After purification of these binding proteins, we determined amino acid sequences and cloned the genes encoding these binding proteins. The purified proteins were distinct from estrogen receptors and they showed diverse biological functions.