title: Breast cancer treatment and sulfotransferase.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sustained exposure to excessive estrogen is an established risk factor for breast cancer. Sulfotransferase (SULT)-mediated sulfonation represents an effective approach for estrogen deprivation as estrogen sulfates do not bind and activate estrogen receptors (ERs). The nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily functions as a sensor for xenobiotics as well as endogenous molecules, which can regulate the expression of SULT.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of SULT regulation by NRs and inactivation of estrogen by SULT. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of clinical therapy targeting SULT in breast cancer treatment. Gaps in current knowledge that require further study are also highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The prevention of estrogen binding to ER by antiestrogen and inhibition of estrogen synthesis by aromatase or sulfatase inhibitor have been used in clinical therapy for breast cancer. Although the induction of SULT has been proven effective to estrogen inactivation, reports on this method applied to breast cancer treatment are rare. Targeted activation of SULT may open up a new means of treating hormone-dependent breast cancer.
authors: Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University , Beijing , China jjxxeezz@163.com.
authors: Xi-Wei
authors: XW
authors: Ji
authors: Tian-Yan
authors: TY
authors: Zhou
authors: Yuan
authors: Y
authors: Lu
authors: Min-Ji
authors: MJ
authors: Wei
authors: Wei
authors: W
authors: Lu
authors: William C
authors: WC
authors: Cho
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D015195:Drug Design; D004967:Estrogens / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D015238:Sulfotransferases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D004967:Estrogens; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D015238:Sulfotransferases
keywords: breast cancer; endocrine regulation; estrogen; nuclear receptor; sulfotransferase