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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Identification of estrogen-responsive genes based on the DNA binding properties of estrogen receptors using
Kazuhiro Ikeda1, Kuniko Horie-Inoue1, Satoshi Inoue2
1Division of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Research Center for Genomic Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-1241, Japan.
Abstract:
Estrogens are important endocrine hormones that control physiological functions in reproductive organs, and play a pivotal role in the generation and progression of breast cancer. Therapeutic drugs including anti-estrogen and aromatase inhibitors are used to treat patients with breast cancer. The estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, function as hormone-dependent transcription factors that directly regulate the expression of their target genes. Therefore, a better understanding of the function and regulation of estrogen-responsive genes provides insight into the gene regulation network associated with breast cancer. Recent technological developments in high-throughput sequencing have enabled the genome-wide identification of estrogen-responsive genes. Further elucidating the estrogen gene cascade is critical for advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Insights
Estrogen hormones and their receptors are key in breast cancer development. Understanding estrogen-responsive genes through advanced sequencing aids in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Estrogens are critical endocrine hormones regulating reproductive organ function.
- Estrogens play a significant role in breast cancer initiation and progression.
- Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) are transcription factors controlling gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the function and regulation of estrogen-responsive genes.
- To gain insights into the gene regulatory networks in breast cancer.
- To explore advancements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing high-throughput sequencing technologies.
- Genome-wide identification of estrogen-responsive genes.
- Elucidating the estrogen gene cascade.
Main Results:
- Enabled genome-wide identification of estrogen-responsive genes.
- Provided insights into gene regulation by estrogens.
- Highlighted the importance of estrogen-responsive genes in breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- Understanding estrogen-responsive genes is crucial for breast cancer research.
- Advanced sequencing facilitates the identification of these genes.
- Further research into the estrogen gene cascade can improve breast cancer therapies.
