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Updated: Jul 13, 2025
10:36
Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
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Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer.
Paulina Miziak1, Marzena Baran1, Ewa Błaszczak1
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
Cancers
|October 14, 2023
Summary
Estrogen receptor (ER) signaling drives breast cancer growth and spread. This review covers ER mechanisms, endocrine therapies targeting estrogen, and strategies to overcome treatment resistance for improved cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) signaling is crucial for cell growth and survival in hormone-sensitive cancers, particularly breast cancer (BC).
- Estrogens act as growth factors, promoting BC invasion and dissemination.
- Understanding ER signaling is key to developing effective cancer treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of ER-dependent downstream signaling in breast cancer.
- To discuss the role of estrogens in cancer invasion and spread.
- To explore clinical implications, endocrine therapies, and resistance mechanisms in ER-positive breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ER signaling pathways in breast cancer.
- Analysis of endocrine therapies targeting estrogen synthesis and ER signaling.
- Examination of acquired ER mutations and resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- ER signaling pathways are central to BC proliferation and progression.
- Endocrine therapies like aromatase inhibitors and selective estrogen receptor modulators show clinical efficacy.
- Acquired ER mutations are a significant cause of therapeutic resistance.
Conclusions:
- ER signaling is a critical therapeutic target in breast cancer.
- Overcoming resistance to endocrine therapies is essential for improving patient outcomes.
- Developing novel treatment strategies targeting ER mutations is a priority for future BC management.
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