Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
11:12
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
FOXA1 in breast cancer.
Harikrishna Nakshatri1, Sunil Badve
1Departments of Surgery, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. hnakshat@iupui.edu
Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
|March 6, 2009
Summary
Breast cancer subtypes are classified by gene expression, distinct from histopathology. A key network involving estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), FOXA1, and GATA3 influences luminal A breast cancer subtypes, impacting prognosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Oncology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease requiring subtype classification for effective clinical management.
- Gene expression patterns define at least five distinct breast cancer subtypes, separate from histopathological classification.
- Understanding transcription factor networks is crucial for elucidating subtype-specific gene expression signatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay of transcription factors, specifically focusing on FOXA1, ERalpha, and GATA3 in breast cancer subtypes.
- To elucidate the role of the ERalpha-FOXA1-GATA3 network in luminal A breast cancer gene expression.
- To discuss FOXA1 structure, function, and its control over ERalpha activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on transcription factor networks in breast cancer.
- Analysis of the interplay between ERalpha, FOXA1, and GATA3.
- Discussion of FOXA1 modulators, downstream targets, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- The transcription factor network of ERalpha, FOXA1, and GATA3 is implicated in controlling gene expression in luminal A breast cancers.
- Breast cancers dependent on this network are typically well-differentiated, hormone-therapy-responsive, and have a good prognosis.
- FOXA1 plays a key role in regulating ERalpha function within this network.
Conclusions:
- The ERalpha-FOXA1-GATA3 network is critical for the molecular signature and clinical behavior of luminal A breast cancer.
- Understanding FOXA1's function and its interaction with ERalpha and GATA3 offers insights into breast cancer differentiation.
- Targeting FOXA1 or its modulators may represent a therapeutic strategy to enhance differentiation in breast cancer.
Related Concept Videos
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
03:03mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
The mTOR pathway or the...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...