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Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Function of G-Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor-1 in Reproductive System Tumors
Hongyan Qian1, Jingxiu Xuan1, Yuan Liu1
1Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, China.
Abstract:
The G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1), also known as GPR30, is a novel estrogen receptor mediating estrogen receptor signaling in multiple cell types. The progress of estrogen-related cancer is promoted by GPER-1 activation through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospholipase C (PLC) signaling pathways. However, this promoting effect of GPER-1 is nonclassic estrogen receptor (ER) dependent manner. In addition, clinical evidences revealed that GPER-1 is associated with estrogen resistance in estrogen-related cancer patients. These give a hint that GPER-1 may be a novel therapeutic target for the estrogen-related cancers. However, preclinical studies also found that GPER-1 activation of its special agonist G-1 inhibits cancer cell proliferation. This review aims to summarize the characteristics and complex functions of GPER-1 in cancers.
Insights
G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) promotes estrogen-related cancers via non-ER pathways but also shows potential as a therapeutic target. GPER-1 activation can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, highlighting its complex role.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1), also known as GPR30, is a novel estrogen receptor.
- GPER-1 mediates estrogen receptor signaling in various cell types.
- Estrogen-related cancers are influenced by GPER-1 activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the characteristics and complex functions of GPER-1 in cancers.
- To explore GPER-1's role in promoting estrogen-related cancer progression.
- To investigate GPER-1 as a potential therapeutic target in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GPER-1 functions in cancer.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in GPER-1 activity (MAPK, PI3K, PLC).
- Examination of clinical evidence linking GPER-1 to estrogen resistance.
Main Results:
- GPER-1 activation promotes estrogen-related cancer progression via non-classic estrogen receptor (ER) dependent pathways.
- GPER-1 is associated with estrogen resistance in cancer patients.
- Preclinical studies show GPER-1 agonist G-1 inhibits cancer cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- GPER-1 exhibits complex, dual roles in cancer, promoting progression yet offering therapeutic potential.
- GPER-1 represents a promising novel therapeutic target for estrogen-related cancers.
- Further research into GPER-1 signaling is crucial for developing effective cancer treatments.
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