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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
10:36
Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
The estrogen receptor: a model for molecular medicine
Elwood V Jensen1, V Craig Jordan
1Department of Cell Biology, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, University of Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA.
Summary
Estrogen receptor (ER) identification enables predicting breast cancer antihormonal therapy outcomes. This led to tamoxifen development, improving survival, and new drugs targeting multiple diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) identification elucidated estrogen's target sites, including uterus, vagina, pituitary, and breast cancer.
- This discovery enabled predicting antihormonal therapy effectiveness in breast cancer patients.
- ER research identified a crucial target for developing novel breast cancer treatments and preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the significance of estrogen receptor identification in understanding estrogen's action and guiding breast cancer therapy.
- To highlight the development of tamoxifen and its impact on breast cancer patient survival.
- To discuss the evolution towards multifunctional medicines based on selective estrogen receptor modulation.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory identification and characterization of the estrogen receptor.
- Development of predictive tests for antihormonal therapy response.
- Drug development targeting estrogen receptor pathways.
Main Results:
- Tamoxifen development for ER-positive breast cancer significantly improved patient survival rates.
- Selective estrogen receptor modulation (SERM) demonstrated tissue-specific effects (e.g., estrogenic in bone, antiestrogenic in breast).
- SERMs offer potential for preventing breast cancer, uterine cancer, osteoporosis, and coronary heart disease.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptor research has been pivotal in advancing breast cancer treatment and prevention.
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators represent a new class of multifunctional drugs with broad therapeutic potential.
- Targeting estrogen receptor pathways offers a promising avenue for managing hormone-dependent diseases and improving overall health outcomes.
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