Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
16:24
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
20.4K
Estrogen receptor gets a grip on RNA
1Departments of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA; Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.
Cell
|September 24, 2021
Summary
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), a key factor in breast cancer progression, is also an RNA-binding protein. This newly identified RNA-binding role of ERα is crucial for cancer cell survival and fitness.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a nuclear hormone receptor and transcription factor.
- ERα plays a significant role in the progression of many breast cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-transcriptional functions of ERα.
- To determine if ERα possesses RNA-binding capabilities.
- To elucidate the role of ERα's post-transcriptional activity in cancer.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized techniques to assess RNA-binding activity of ERα.
- Investigated the impact of ERα's RNA-binding on cellular processes.
Main Results:
- Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) functions as an RNA-binding protein.
- ERα's RNA-binding activity enhances cancer cell fitness.
- ERα's post-transcriptional functions contribute to cancer cell survival.
Conclusions:
- ERα has a dual role in cancer, acting as both a transcription factor and an RNA-binding protein.
- The RNA-binding function of ERα is critical for cancer cell survival and fitness.
- Targeting ERα's post-transcriptional activity may offer new therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:31Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
1.9K
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:
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
1.9K
01:20Types of RNA
7.0K
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...
RNA Performs Diverse...
7.0K
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
1.1K
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
1.1K
02:31Nuclear Export of mRNA
8.0K
Before mRNAs are exported to the cytoplasm, it is crucial to check each mRNA for structural and functional integrity. Eukaryotic cells use several different mechanisms, collectively known as mRNA surveillance, to look for irregularities in mRNAs. Irregular or aberrant mRNA are rapidly degraded by various enzymes. If a defective mRNA escapes the surveillance, it would be translated into a protein which would either be non-functional or not function properly. One of the primary irregularities in...
8.0K
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
23.8K
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
23.8K
02:41Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing
7.5K
In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
The chromatin structure, especially...
The chromatin structure, especially...
7.5K