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Updated: May 2, 2026
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Identification of EGFR and RAS Inhibitors using Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: October 5, 2020
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ERβ regulates NSCLC phenotypes by controlling oncogenic RAS signaling
Fotis Nikolos1, Christoforos Thomas2, Gayani Rajapaksa1
1Authors' Affiliation: Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.
Molecular Cancer Research : MCR
|March 13, 2014
Summary
Estrogen receptor beta 1 (ERβ1) reduces non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell survival by inhibiting oncogenic RAS signaling. This ERβ1 activity promotes apoptosis and may improve disease-free survival in NSCLC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Aberrant growth factor signaling and estrogen receptor pathways are implicated in NSCLC.
- The mechanism linking wild-type estrogen receptor beta 1 (ERβ1) to improved NSCLC outcomes is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanism by which ERβ1 influences NSCLC cell survival.
- To determine the role of ERβ1 in regulating key signaling pathways in NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- Assessed the effect of ERβ1 upregulation on NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis.
- Investigated ERβ1-induced apoptosis via the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, focusing on BIM and ERK signaling.
- Examined the involvement of EGFR and RAS signaling in ERβ1-mediated effects.
Main Results:
- ERβ1 upregulation reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in NSCLC cells with mutant RAS.
- ERβ1 stimulated apoptosis by activating the BIM-regulated intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
- ERβ1 induced downregulation of EGFR and inactivation of RAS/ERK signaling.
Conclusions:
- ERβ1 plays a crucial role in NSCLC biology by inhibiting oncogenic RAS signaling.
- ERβ1-mediated regulation of RAS and EGFR contributes to decreased NSCLC cell survival.
- ERβ1's ability to modulate RAS function highlights its clinical significance in NSCLC management.
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