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Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: An emerging player in breast cancer pathogenesis and its potential as a drug target

Cong Chen1, Zhiying Wang1, Zhihong Liao1

  • 1Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, P.R. China.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|November 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) plays a key role in breast cancer development and progression. Targeting AhR and its ligands offers a promising new strategy for treating metastatic breast cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Breast cancer, particularly metastatic, remains a significant health challenge with limited treatment options due to its molecular heterogeneity.
  • The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor involved in xenobiotic metabolism, is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer.
  • Elevated AhR expression is observed in specific breast cancer subtypes, correlating with disease progression.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current research on the function and mechanisms of AhR and its ligands in breast cancer.
  • It examines the dual role of AhR, where both agonists and antagonists show potential therapeutic benefits.
  • The focus is on understanding how AhR influences critical cancer processes like proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis.

Key Points:

  • AhR is upregulated in certain breast cancers, including estrogen receptor-positive types, and influences tumor development.
  • AhR activation by various ligands impacts key cellular functions relevant to cancer progression.
  • Both activating and inhibiting AhR pathways are being explored for anti-cancer effects.

Conclusions:

  • AhR and its ligands represent emerging therapeutic targets for breast cancer treatment.
  • Modulating AhR activity holds potential for developing novel strategies against metastatic breast cancer.
  • Further research into AhR's mechanisms could unlock new avenues for targeted breast cancer therapies.
Keywords:
aryl hydrocarbon receptorbreast cancercancer developmentdrug targetmetastasis

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