The complex relationship between BRCA1 and ERalpha in hereditary breast cancer.
Breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) was initially identified as one of the genes conferring genetic predisposition to both breast and ovarian cancer. One of the interesting aspects of BRCA1-linked cancers is the observed specificity for estrogen-responsive tissues such as breast and ovary. Recent advances in our understanding of BRCA1-linked breast cancers have revealed a complex relationship between BRCA1 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) signaling. Estrogen stimulation increases expression of BRCA1 at the mRNA and protein level and conversely BRCA1 functions to both induce ERalpha mRNA expression and act as a negative regulator of ERalpha signaling. Here, we review the relationship between BRCA1 and ERalpha and discuss the use of antiestrogen therapies such as tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors in the treatment of BRCA1 mutation carriers.
Gorski
Julia J
JJ
Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Kennedy
Richard D
RD
Hosey
Alison M
AM
Harkin
D Paul
DP
D019313:BRCA1 Protein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics
D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D047628:Estrogen Receptor alpha; D004967:Estrogens