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Updated: Aug 11, 2025
Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
Published on: June 7, 2020
Phytoestrogens, novel dietary supplements for breast cancer
Shuo Huang1, Baowen Qi2, Ling Yang1
1School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610072, Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
While endocrine therapy is considered as an effective way to treat breast cancer, it still faces many challenges, such as drug resistance and individual discrepancy. Therefore, novel preventive and therapeutic modalities are still in great demand to decrease the incidence and mortality rate of breast cancer. Numerous studies suggested that G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a membrane estrogen receptor, is a potential target for breast cancer prevention and treatment. It was also shown that not only endogenous estrogens can activate GPERs, but many phytoestrogens can also function as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) to interact GPERs. In this review, we discussed the possible mechanisms of GPERs pathways and shed a light of developing novel phytoestrogens based dietary supplements against breast cancers.
Insights
Novel phytoestrogens targeting the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) show promise for breast cancer prevention and treatment, addressing limitations of current endocrine therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Endocrine therapy is a cornerstone in breast cancer treatment but faces challenges like drug resistance and patient variability.
- There is a critical need for innovative preventive and therapeutic strategies to reduce breast cancer incidence and mortality.
- G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), a membrane estrogen receptor, has emerged as a promising target for breast cancer intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential mechanisms of G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) pathways in breast cancer.
- To explore the role of phytoestrogens as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) interacting with GPER.
- To highlight the development of novel phytoestrogen-based dietary supplements for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) signaling pathways.
- Analysis of research on phytoestrogens as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) targeting GPER.
- Discussion of potential therapeutic applications of GPER-targeting phytoestrogens.
Main Results:
- G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) can be activated by both endogenous estrogens and exogenous phytoestrogens.
- Phytoestrogens can act as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), interacting with GPER to influence breast cancer.
- GPER pathways offer a novel target for developing breast cancer therapies.
Conclusions:
- G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) presents a viable target for breast cancer prevention and treatment.
- Phytoestrogens demonstrate potential as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for GPER-mediated effects.
- Developing phytoestrogen-based dietary supplements could offer new avenues for combating breast cancer.
