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Updated: Aug 5, 2025
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Non-Coding RNAs Modulating Estrogen Signaling and Response to Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer
Oliver Treeck1, Silke Haerteis2, Olaf Ortmann1
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The largest part of human DNA is transcribed into RNA that does not code for proteins. These non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are key regulators of protein-coding gene expression and have been shown to play important roles in health, disease and therapy response. Today, endocrine therapy of ERα-positive breast cancer (BC) is a successful treatment approach, but resistance to this therapy is a major clinical problem. Therefore, a deeper understanding of resistance mechanisms is important to overcome this resistance. An increasing amount of evidence demonstrate that ncRNAs affect the response to endocrine therapy. Thus, ncRNAs are considered versatile biomarkers to predict or monitor therapy response. In this review article, we intend to give a summary and update on the effects of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) on estrogen signaling in BC cells, this pathway being the target of endocrine therapy, and their role in therapy resistance. For this purpose, we reviewed articles on these topics listed in the PubMed database. Finally, we provide an assessment regarding the clinical use of these ncRNA types, particularly their circulating forms, as predictive BC biomarkers and their potential role as therapy targets to overcome endocrine resistance.
Insights
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) regulate gene expression and impact endocrine therapy response in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BC). Understanding ncRNAs like miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs is crucial for overcoming therapy resistance.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical regulators of gene expression, influencing various biological processes.
- Endocrine therapy is a cornerstone for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (BC), but resistance remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Emerging evidence highlights the role of ncRNAs in modulating endocrine therapy response and resistance in BC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in estrogen signaling and endocrine therapy resistance in BC.
- To summarize the impact of these ncRNAs on estrogen receptor signaling pathways targeted by endocrine therapy.
- To assess the clinical utility of ncRNAs as predictive biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for overcoming BC endocrine resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of articles indexed in the PubMed database.
- Focus on studies investigating the roles of miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in ERα-positive breast cancer.
- Analysis of ncRNA involvement in estrogen signaling and endocrine therapy resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- ncRNAs significantly influence estrogen signaling pathways in BC cells.
- Specific miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs are implicated in the development of resistance to endocrine therapy.
- Circulating forms of ncRNAs show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for predicting therapy response.
Conclusions:
- ncRNAs are key players in endocrine therapy resistance in ERα-positive breast cancer.
- ncRNAs, particularly circulating types, hold potential as predictive biomarkers for BC.
- Targeting ncRNAs may offer novel therapeutic strategies to overcome endocrine resistance in breast cancer.
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