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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Interactions between the estrogen receptor, its cofactors and microRNAs in breast cancer
Marc P J McCafferty1, Roisin E McNeill, Nicola Miller
1Department of Surgery, Clinical Science Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Ireland. mccaffros@gmail.com
Abstract:
The activity of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) is not fully explained by an estrogen receptor (ER) switch model that simply turns estrogen activity on or off. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in estrogen signaling and the development of drug resistance could help stratify patients into more coherent treatment groups and identify novel therapeutic candidates. This review describes how interactions between two novel factors known to influence estrogenic activity: nuclear receptor cofactors--protein partners which modulate estrogen action, and microRNAs--a class of recently discovered regulatory elements, may impact hormone-sensitive breast cancer. The role of nuclear receptor cofactors in estrogen signaling and the associations between ER cofactors and breast cancer are described. We outline the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their associations with breast cancer and detail recent evidence of interactions between the ER and its cofactors and miRNA and provide an overview of the emerging field of miRNA-based therapeutics. We propose that previously unrecognised interactions between these two species of regulatory molecules may underlie at least some of the heterogeneity of breast cancer in terms of its clinical course and response to treatment. The exploitation of such associations will have important implications for drug development.
Insights
Interactions between nuclear receptor cofactors and microRNAs influence estrogen signaling in hormone-sensitive breast cancer, impacting treatment strategies and drug development for this disease.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) activity requires deeper mechanistic understanding beyond simple estrogen receptor (ER) on/off models.
- Estrogen signaling pathways and drug resistance mechanisms are critical for patient stratification and novel therapeutic development in breast cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the roles of nuclear receptor cofactors and microRNAs in estrogen signaling and their impact on hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
- To explore the interactions between ER cofactors, microRNAs, and their collective influence on breast cancer heterogeneity and treatment response.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on estrogen receptor signaling, nuclear receptor cofactors, and microRNAs in breast cancer.
- Analysis of existing evidence on the interplay between ER cofactors and microRNAs.
- Overview of miRNA-based therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Nuclear receptor cofactors modulate estrogen action and are associated with breast cancer.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are regulatory elements implicated in breast cancer development and progression.
- Emerging evidence suggests interactions between ER, its cofactors, and miRNAs, contributing to breast cancer heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Previously unrecognized interactions between nuclear receptor cofactors and microRNAs may explain breast cancer heterogeneity in clinical course and treatment response.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving patient outcomes in breast cancer.
- Exploiting these molecular associations holds significant promise for future drug development in breast cancer treatment.
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