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

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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