New insights into estrogen receptor function in human breast cancer.
An important new concept associated with estrogen receptor (ER) function in breast cancer is that ER status/ phenotype is multifaceted. In particular, the two full-length, ligand binding ERs (ER-alpha and ER-beta) and possibly multiple variant isoforms of ER must be considered. In addition, cross-talk factors that can influence ER activity in a ligand independent fashion and factors downstream of the ER, including coactivators and corepressors, clearly have important roles in ER function. Their careful evaluation in addition to ER status will be necessary to more fully understand the etiology of breast cancer and the changes occurring in estrogen signaling during breast tumorigenesis and breast cancer progression. Such knowledge is necessary to have a significant impact on better prevention and treatment strategies for human breast cancer.
Murphy
Leigh
L
Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 0V9. lcmurph@cc.umanitoba.ca
Cherlet
Tracy
T
Lewis
Anthony
A
Banu
Yasmin
Y
Watson
Peter
P
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen