How does the estrogen receptor work?
In breast cancer, interruption of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha function is an effective therapeutic strategy. Despite the clinical benefit of interruption of ER-alpha function, the precise biological action of ER-alpha in breast tumors is not completely understood. Results of a recent study show that ER-alpha promotes growth of breast cancer cells by targeting expression of signaling components of the insulin-like growth factor system. Intriguingly, the authors of this study raise the possibility that unliganded ER-alpha itself may affect gene expression and breast cancer biology, and they suggest a potential mechanism for ER-alpha to stimulate proliferation in breast cancer.
Gross
Jennifer M
JM
University of Minnesota Cancer Center, Department of Pharmacology, Minneapolis 55455, USA.
Yee
Douglas
D
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D004967:Estrogens / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013002:Somatomedins / Q000502:physiology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D004967:Estrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D013002:Somatomedins