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Updated: Aug 22, 2026
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Loss of ERbeta expression as a common step in estrogen-dependent tumor progression
A Bardin1, N Boulle, G Lazennec
1Unité INSERM 540, 60 rue de Navacelles, 34090 Montpellier, France.
Abstract:
The characterization of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) brought new insight into the mechanisms underlying estrogen signaling. Estrogen induction of cell proliferation is a crucial step in carcinogenesis of gynecologic target tissues, and the mitogenic effects of estrogen in these tissues (such as breast, endometrium and ovary) are well documented both in vitro and in vivo. There is also an emerging body of evidence that colon and prostate cancer growth is influenced by estrogens. In all of these tissues, most studies have shown decreased ERbeta expression in cancer as compared with benign tumors or normal tissues, whereas ERalpha expression persists. The loss of ERbeta expression in cancer cells could reflect tumor cell dedifferentiation but may also represent a critical stage in estrogen-dependent tumor progression. Modulation of the expression of ERalpha target genes by ERbeta or ERbeta-specific gene induction could explain that ERbeta has a differential effect on proliferation as compared with ERalpha. ERbeta may exert a protective effect and thus constitute a new target for hormone therapy, such as ligand specific activation. The potential distinct roles of ERalpha and ERbeta expression in carcinogenesis, as suggested by experimental and clinical data, are discussed in this review.
Insights
Estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) plays a key role in estrogen signaling and cancer. Decreased ERbeta expression in cancers suggests a protective role and a potential new target for hormone therapy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Estrogen signaling influences cell proliferation, a key factor in gynecologic, colon, and prostate carcinogenesis.
- Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) mediate estrogen's effects.
- ERbeta characterization offers new insights into estrogen signaling mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct roles of ERalpha and ERbeta in carcinogenesis.
- To discuss the implications of ERbeta expression changes in cancer.
- To explore ERbeta as a potential target for hormone therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental and clinical data on ERalpha and ERbeta expression in various cancers.
- Analysis of the impact of ERbeta on estrogen-induced proliferation.
- Discussion of ERbeta's potential differential effects compared to ERalpha.
Main Results:
- Decreased ERbeta expression is commonly observed in cancers compared to normal or benign tissues, while ERalpha persists.
- Loss of ERbeta may indicate tumor dedifferentiation or a stage in estrogen-dependent tumor progression.
- ERbeta may modulate ERalpha target genes, leading to differential effects on cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- ERbeta may exert a protective effect against cancer.
- ERbeta represents a potential new target for hormone therapy through ligand-specific activation.
- Distinct roles of ERalpha and ERbeta in carcinogenesis warrant further investigation.
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