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Updated: Jul 13, 2025

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
GPER: An Estrogen Receptor Key in Metastasis and Tumoral Microenvironments
Ana Carolina Tirado-Garibay1, Elba Andrea Falcón-Ruiz1, Alejandra Ochoa-Zarzosa1
1Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología-FMVZ, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Morelia 58893, Mexico.
Abstract:
Estrogens and their role in cancer are well-studied, and some cancer types are classified in terms of their response to them. In recent years, a G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) has been described with relevance in cancer. GPER is a pleiotropic receptor with tissue-specific activity; in normal tissues, its activation is related to correct development and homeostasis, while in cancer cells, it can be pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Also, GPER replaces estrogen responsiveness in estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-lacking cancer cell lines. One of the most outstanding activities of GPER is its role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is relevant for metastasis development. In addition, the presence of this receptor in tumor microenvironment cells contributes to the phenotypic plasticity required for the dissemination and maintenance of tumors. These characteristics suggest that GPER could be a promising therapeutic target for regulating cancer development. This review focuses on the role of GPER in EMT in tumorigenic and associated cells, highlighting its role in relation to the main hallmarks of cancer and possible therapeutic options.
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