El receptor de estrógenos en el cáncer de mama

Abstract

Estrogens play important modulatory roles in multiple complex physiological and pathophysiological processes. They perform their roles mainly by interacting with estrogen receptors (ERs) which are ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate gene transcription through different pathways, thereby facilitating the normal biological functions of estrogens. However, abnormal ER signaling can result in multiple disorders, including gynecological disorders and various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, where they play a fundamental role in initiation, progression and metastasis, especially in hormone receptor-positive or luminal breast cancer. Therefore, targeting ERs with endocrine therapy, alone or in combination with other targeted agents, represents the primary approach for treating this type of breast cancer. In addition, quantification of estrogen receptors is usually used as a predictor of breast cancer prognosis. The aim of this work is to provide an overview of different aspects of estrogen receptors ranging from their types, isoforms, structures, signaling pathways, pathological roles in breast cancer and therapeutic strategies to overcome unleashed endocrine resistance.