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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Optimization of a Multiplex RNA-based Expression Assay Using Breast Cancer Archival Material
Published on: August 1, 2018
Liver tropism of ER mutant breast cancer is characterized by unique molecular changes and immune infiltration
Yang Wu1,2, Zheqi Li2,3, Adrian V Lee2,3,4
1School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Purpose:
Hotspot estrogen receptor alpha (ER/ESR1) mutations are recognized as the driver for both endocrine resistance and metastasis in advanced ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer, but their contributions to metastatic organ tropism remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we aim to comprehensively profile the organotropic metastatic pattern for ESR1 mutant breast cancer.
Methods:
The organ-specific metastatic pattern of ESR1 mutant breast cancer was delineated using multi-omics data from multiple publicly available cohorts of ER+ metastatic breast cancer patients. Gene mutation/copy number variation (CNV) and differential gene expression analyses were performed to identify the genomic and transcriptomic alterations uniquely associated with ESR1 mutant liver metastasis. Upstream regulator, downstream pathway, and immune infiltration analysis were conducted for subsequent mechanistic investigations.
Results:
ESR1 mutation-driven liver tropism was revealed by significant differences, encompassing a higher prevalence of liver metastasis in patients with ESR1 mutant breast cancer and an enrichment of mutations in liver metastatic samples. The significant enrichment of AGO2 copy number amplifications (CNAs) and multiple gene expression changes were revealed uniquely in ESR1 mutant liver metastasis. We also unveiled alterations in downstream signaling pathways and immune infiltration, particularly an enrichment of neutrophils, suggesting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Conclusion:
Our data provide a comprehensive characterization of the behaviors and mechanisms of ESR1 mutant liver metastasis, paving the way for the development of personalized therapy to target liver metastasis for patients with ESR1 mutant breast cancer.
Insights
Estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations drive liver metastasis in ER-positive breast cancer. This study reveals specific genomic and immune alterations in liver metastases, offering targets for personalized therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Translational Research
Background:
- Hotspot estrogen receptor alpha (ER/ESR1) mutations are key drivers of endocrine resistance and metastasis in advanced ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer.
- The specific organ tropism of ESR1-mutant breast cancer metastasis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively profile the organotropic metastatic pattern of ESR1 mutant breast cancer.
- To identify genomic and transcriptomic alterations associated with ESR1 mutant liver metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized multi-omics data from public ER+ metastatic breast cancer cohorts.
- Performed gene mutation, copy number variation (CNV), and differential gene expression analyses.
- Conducted upstream regulator, downstream pathway, and immune infiltration analyses.
Main Results:
- Identified significant ESR1 mutation-driven liver tropism, with higher prevalence and mutation enrichment in liver metastases.
- Found unique AGO2 copy number amplifications (CNAs) and gene expression changes in ESR1 mutant liver metastases.
- Revealed downstream pathway alterations and increased neutrophil infiltration, indicating potential therapeutic targets.
Conclusions:
- Provided a comprehensive characterization of ESR1 mutant liver metastasis behavior and mechanisms.
- Highlighted potential therapeutic vulnerabilities for personalized treatment strategies.
- Paved the way for targeted therapies against liver metastasis in ESR1 mutant breast cancer.
