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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Epigenetic regulation in estrogen receptor positive breast cancer--role in treatment response
Thushangi N Pathiraja1, Vered Stearns, Steffi Oesterreich
1Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Abstract:
Recent advances in breast cancer treatment have allowed increasing numbers of patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive (+) breast cancer to receive various forms of endocrine therapy. Unfortunately, de novo and acquired resistance to endocrine therapy remains a major challenge in the clinic. A number of possible mechanisms for drug resistance have been described, which include activation of growth factor receptor pathways, overexpression of ER coactivators, and metabolic resistance due to polymorphisms in metabolizing enzymes. While many of these changes are caused by genetic alterations, there is also increasing evidence to implicate epigenetic gene regulatory mechanisms in the development of endocrine resistance. Since epigenetic modifications are easier to reverse than genetic mutations, they are appealing therapeutic targets, and thus future improvements in medical care for breast cancer patients will depend upon a better understanding of the roles epigenetic modifications play in endocrine resistance. In this review we will focus on recent advances made in the understanding of epigenetic gene regulation in estrogen response and endocrine resistance in breast cancer. We will also summarize current clinical-translational advances in epigenetic therapy, and discuss potential future clinical use of epigenetic changes as therapeutic targets, especially with respect to endocrine treatment.
Insights
Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in endocrine resistance for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Understanding these reversible changes offers new therapeutic targets for improving breast cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer often develops resistance to endocrine therapy, a significant clinical challenge.
- Mechanisms of resistance include genetic alterations and epigenetic dysregulation.
- Epigenetic modifications, being potentially reversible, are attractive therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding epigenetic gene regulation in estrogen response and endocrine resistance in breast cancer.
- To summarize current clinical-translational advances in epigenetic therapy for breast cancer.
- To discuss the future clinical applications of targeting epigenetic changes in endocrine treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer endocrine resistance.
- Analysis of studies on estrogen response and epigenetic gene regulation.
- Synthesis of clinical-translational data on epigenetic therapies.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic mechanisms contribute significantly to both de novo and acquired endocrine resistance.
- Specific epigenetic modifications influence estrogen receptor activity and drug response.
- Clinical trials are exploring epigenetic drugs for breast cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic gene regulation is a key factor in endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
- Targeting epigenetic modifications represents a promising strategy for overcoming endocrine resistance.
- Further research and clinical translation of epigenetic therapies are essential for improving patient outcomes.
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