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Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Identification of miRNAs as biomarkers for acquired endocrine resistance in breast cancer
Penn Muluhngwi1, Carolyn M Klinge1
1Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
Abstract:
Therapies targeting estrogen receptor α (ERα) including tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and aromatase inhibitors (AI), e.g., letrozole, have proven successful in reducing the death rate for breast cancer patients whose initial tumors express ERα. However, about 40% of patients develop acquired resistance to these endocrine treatments. There is a critical need to develop sensitive circulating biomarkers that accurately identify signaling pathways altered in breast cancer patients resistant to endocrine therapies. Serum miRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers of the progression of endocrine-resistant breast cancer due to their cancer-specific expression and stability. Exosomal transfer of miRNAs has been implicated in metastasis and endocrine-resistance. This review focuses on miRNAs in breast tumors and in serum, including exosomes, from breast cancer patients that are associated with resistance to tamoxifen since it is best-studied.
Insights
Acquired resistance to endocrine therapies like tamoxifen affects 40% of ERα-positive breast cancer patients. This review explores serum microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential biomarkers for detecting resistance mechanisms and guiding future treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer treatments, including tamoxifen (a SERM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs), are effective but face acquired resistance in ~40% of patients.
- Developing reliable circulating biomarkers is crucial for identifying altered signaling pathways in endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
- Serum microRNAs (miRNAs), particularly those within exosomes, show promise as stable, cancer-specific biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and treatment resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of miRNAs in breast tumors and serum, including exosomes, in the context of tamoxifen resistance.
- To highlight the potential of serum miRNAs as biomarkers for endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating miRNAs in breast cancer patients.
- Analysis of miRNA expression in tumor tissue, serum, and exosomes.
- Examination of the association between specific miRNAs and resistance to tamoxifen.
Main Results:
- Serum miRNAs are implicated in the development and progression of endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
- Exosomal transfer of miRNAs contributes to metastasis and acquired resistance to endocrine therapies.
- Specific miRNAs in serum and exosomes correlate with tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer patients.
Conclusions:
- Serum miRNAs, especially exosomal miRNAs, represent a promising avenue for developing non-invasive biomarkers for endocrine-resistant breast cancer.
- Understanding miRNA alterations can aid in identifying therapeutic targets and predicting treatment response.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings and translate them into clinical practice for improved breast cancer management.
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