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Updated: Aug 3, 2025
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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
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A Basic Review on Estrogen Receptor Signaling Pathways in Breast Cancer
Léa Clusan1, François Ferrière1, Gilles Flouriot1
1Université de Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail)-UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 13, 2023
Summary
Estrogen signaling drives hormone-dependent breast cancer. Understanding estrogen receptors is key to overcoming antiestrogen resistance and developing new therapies for this common cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in women globally.
- Estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors, driven by estrogen signaling, constitute two-thirds of breast cancers.
- Resistance to antiestrogen therapies is a major clinical challenge, driven by ER pathway alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current literature on estrogen receptor (ER) signaling in breast cancer.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of ER action and resistance in hormone-dependent breast cancer.
- To highlight the clinical implications of ER signaling for treatment and drug development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current scientific publications.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in estrogen receptor activity.
- Examination of mechanisms leading to resistance against hormone therapies.
Main Results:
- Estrogen signaling is critical for ER-positive breast cancer growth.
- Mechanisms of resistance include ESR1 mutations, PI3K pathway activation, and cell cycle dysregulation.
- Emerging therapies include selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) and combination treatments (e.g., CDK4/6 or PI3K inhibitors).
Conclusions:
- Targeting the estrogen pathway is essential for effective breast cancer treatment.
- Understanding ER signaling and resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
- New drug development focuses on overcoming resistance and improving outcomes for hormone-dependent breast cancer patients.
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