Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
11:12

Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material

Published on: August 1, 2018

8.5K

Nuclear receptor NR4A1 is a tumor suppressor down-regulated in triple-negative breast cancer

Hongmei Wu1,2, Jiong Bi1,3, Yan Peng4

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Oncotarget
|September 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) acts as a tumor suppressor in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Its downregulation correlates with TNBC progression, and restoring NR4A1 inhibits cancer growth and metastasis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cancer research
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Nuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription factors regulating physiological processes.
  • NR4A1's role in cancer is unclear, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks targeted therapies.
  • NR4A1 lacks an identified endogenous ligand.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define NR4A1 expression profiles in TNBC.
  • To elucidate the specific role of NR4A1 in TNBC progression and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Bioinformatic analysis of NR4A1 mRNA expression in human TNBC samples.
  • Semi-quantitative analysis of NR4A1 protein expression via immunohistochemistry in mouse and human samples.
  • Ectopic expression of NR4A1 in TNBC cell lines and assessment of proliferation, viability, migration, and invasion.
  • In vivo studies using cell-derived tumors in mice.

Main Results:

  • NR4A1 mRNA and protein expression are significantly downregulated in human TNBC.
  • NR4A1 downregulation correlates negatively with tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, and disease recurrence.
  • Ectopic NR4A1 expression inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, viability, migration, and invasion, partly via the JNK1-AP-1-cyclin D1 pathway.
  • NR4A1 suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • NR4A1 is downregulated in TNBC, acting as a tumor suppressor.
  • Restoration of NR4A1 expression inhibits TNBC growth and metastasis.
  • NR4A1 represents a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
Keywords:
NR4A1gene expressionnuclear receptortriple-negative breast cancertumor suppressor

More Related Videos

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells09:24

Silencing of BRCA2 to Identify Novel BRCA2-regulated Biological Functions in Cultured Human Cells

Published on: August 12, 2015

9.6K
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model09:29

Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model

Published on: March 20, 2020

19.0K

Related Concept Videos

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
3.2K
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR...
2.9K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
9.9K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
6.2K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
5.3K
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs02:39

lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs

In humans, more than 80% of the genome gets transcribed. However, only around 2% of the genome codes for proteins. The remaining part produces non-coding RNAs which includes ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, telomerase RNAs, and regulatory RNAs, among other types. A large number of regulatory non-coding RNAs have been classified into two groups depending upon their length – small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNA, which are less than 200 nucleotides in length, and long non-coding RNA...
10.0K