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Genes related to estrogen action in reproduction and breast cancer

Aninda Basu1, Brian G Rowan

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Medical College of Ohio, 3035 Arlington Ave, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|June 23, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Estrogen regulates key genes via estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta), impacting cell functions. Aberrant gene regulation by estrogen contributes to cancers, particularly estrogen-dependent breast cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Estrogen is a vital steroid hormone with broad physiological roles.
  • Estrogen exerts its effects through estrogen receptor alpha (ER-alpha) and estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta).
  • Estrogen receptor signaling regulates critical genes involved in cell cycle, development, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of estrogen-regulated genes in female reproductive tissues.
  • To explore the involvement of estrogen-regulated genes in breast cancer development and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on estrogen and gene regulation.
  • Analysis of gene expression patterns in response to estrogen signaling.
  • Examination of the role of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in estrogen-mediated processes.

Main Results:

  • Estrogen and ER signaling precisely control the expression of numerous genes.
  • Dysregulation of these genes (e.g., via mutations or amplification) is linked to cancer.
  • Specific genes regulated by estrogen are crucial for normal cellular functions and tissue development.

Conclusions:

  • Estrogen-mediated gene regulation is fundamental to reproductive health.
  • Aberrant estrogen-regulated gene expression is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of estrogen-dependent cancers, including breast cancer.

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