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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Estrogen receptor beta and ovarian cancer: a key to pathogenesis and response to therapy
Ioannis Kyriakidis1, Paraskevi Papaioannidou2
1Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Stilpon Kyriakidis Street 1, 546 36, Thessaloniki, Greece. kiriakidis.yiannis@gmail.com.
Introduction:
Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of mortality due to gynecological tumors. Estrogen receptors (ERs) seem to participate in tumor progression even in the absence of estrogens. Twenty years after the cloning of the second estrogen receptor, a wide spectrum of studies have shown its implication in both physiologic and pathologic pathways. ERβ, being the predominant type of ER in normal ovary tissue, has not only been linked with pathogenesis of ovarian cancer, but also with response to treatment. Unlike ERα, which is primarily linked with cell growth, ERβ presence is prominent in signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.
Methods:
Literature review of relevant published material (from PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases) was conducted.
Results:
Polymorphisms in the respective ESR2 gene, epigenetic modifications and isoforms of the receptor have been extensively studied to assess potential correlations with responsiveness to treatment and tumor behavior. Studies on the exact roles of ERβ and its genetic variations in altering effectiveness and toxicity of ovarian cancer treatment regimens are lacking.
Conclusion:
Clinical utilization of ERβ actions in the management of ovarian cancer is discussed in an up-to-date review.
Insights
Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ) plays a key role in ovarian cancer progression and treatment response. Further research into ERβ genetic variations is needed to optimize ovarian cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer is a leading cause of gynecological tumor mortality.
- Estrogen Receptors (ERs) influence tumor progression, even without estrogens.
- ERβ is predominant in normal ovarian tissue and linked to ovarian cancer pathogenesis and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical utilization of Estrogen Receptor beta (ERβ) actions in ovarian cancer management.
- To discuss the role of ERβ in signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis in ovarian cancer.
- To highlight the need for studies on ERβ genetic variations and their impact on treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of published studies.
- Databases searched include PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane.
- Analysis focused on ERβ's role in ovarian cancer pathogenesis and treatment.
Main Results:
- ERβ is implicated in signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis, distinct from ERα's role in cell growth.
- Polymorphisms in the ESR2 gene, epigenetic modifications, and ERβ isoforms have been studied for correlations with treatment response and tumor behavior.
- A lack of studies exists on the specific roles of ERβ genetic variations in altering treatment effectiveness and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- ERβ's functions are crucial in ovarian cancer management.
- Understanding ERβ's role offers potential for improved clinical strategies.
- Further research into ERβ genetic variations is essential for personalized ovarian cancer treatment.
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