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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
10:36

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer

Published on: March 17, 2016

Intracrine oestrogen production and action in breast cancer: an epigenetic focus

Kevin C Knower1, Sarah Q To, Colin D Clyne

  • 1Cancer Drug Discovery, Prince Henry's Institute, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.

The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
|January 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Epigenetic modifications influence oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer development and endocrine therapy resistance. Targeting these reversible epigenetic changes offers promising therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Epigenome alterations are implicated in breast cancer initiation and progression.
  • Endocrine therapies are effective for oestrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.
  • Therapy resistance is a significant clinical challenge in ER+ breast cancer management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of epigenetics in oestrogen-dependent breast cancer.
  • To discuss the influence of epigenetics on intracrine oestrogen production and oestrogen action.
  • To explore the connection between epigenetics and endocrine resistance, and current epigenetic therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on epigenetics in breast cancer.
  • Analysis of studies on oestrogen metabolism and epigenetic regulation.
  • Examination of research on epigenetic mechanisms driving endocrine resistance.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications impact intracrine oestrogen production in postmenopausal women.
  • Oestrogen signaling influences epigenetic processes within breast cancer cells.
  • Epigenetic alterations are linked to the development of resistance to endocrine therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetics plays a critical role in oestrogen-dependent breast cancer and endocrine resistance.
  • Reversible epigenetic modifications present viable targets for novel breast cancer therapies.
  • Advancements in epigenetic therapy offer new avenues for overcoming endocrine resistance in breast cancer.
Keywords:
AromataseDNA methylationEndocrine therapyEpigeneticsOestrogen biosynthesisPostmenopausal breast cancer

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