Figure 1.

Transcriptional activation of StAR promoter activity by PGE₂. A: Endometriotic stromal cells were transfected with 1.3 kb of human StAR reporter construct and treated with vehicle (Con), PGE₂, EP2 receptor agonist (butaprost, Buta), or EP3 receptor agonist (sulprosterone, Sul) for 12 hours. Data show means of five independent experiments performed in duplicates using different batches of cells. *Significant difference compared to control group at P < 0.05. B: Schematic drawing of human StAR gene promoter shows several important transcription factor binding sites. C: Endometriotic stromal cells were transfected with serial-deleted StAR reporter constructs, treated with vehicle (Con) or PGE₂ for another 12 hours, and harvested for luciferase activity assay. Data show means of four independent experiments performed in duplicates using different batches of cells. *Significant difference compared to individual control group at P < 0.05.