Expression profiling of genes modulated by estrogen, EGCG or both in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

(−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is one of the most potent and the most studied green tea catechin. Reports on mechanisms of EGCG action and its cellular targets are plenty. Compelling evidences in the literature in favor of ER being one of its targets suggest that EGCG may have a significant impact on estrogen regulated gene expression. Despite the possible implications on breast cancer chemoprevention or therapy, this aspect of EGCG action has not been adequately investigated. In order to address this issue, we have obtained gene expression profiles of MCF-7 breast cancer cells treated with ethanol (vehicle control) and those treated with estrogen, EGCG or both, using microarrays. Here, we have presented in detail the design and execution of the microarray experiment, quality control checks and analysis of microarray data. The utility and importance of the data generated in this work have been discussed in the context of the background literature. Our data is available in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database with the identifier GSE56245.