G-Protein Coupled Estrogen Receptor in Breast Cancer

Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Jan 14;20(2):306. doi: 10.3390/ijms20020306.

Abstract

The G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), an alternate estrogen receptor (ER) with a structure distinct from the two canonical ERs, being ERα, and ERβ, is expressed in 50% to 60% of breast cancer tissues and has been presumed to be associated with the development of tamoxifen resistance in ERα positive breast cancer. On the other hand, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes 15% to 20% of breast cancers and frequently displays a more aggressive behavior. GPER is prevalent and involved in TNBC and can be a therapeutic target. However, contradictory results exist regarding the function of GPER in breast cancer, proliferative or pro-apoptotic. A better understanding of the GPER, its role in breast cancer, and the interactions with the ER and epidermal growth factor receptor will be beneficial for the disease management and prevention in the future.

Keywords: G-protein coupled estrogen receptor; breast cancer; epidermal growth factor receptor; estrogen; estrogen receptor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Estrogen Receptor alpha / genetics
  • Estrogen Receptor beta / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Estrogen / chemistry
  • Receptors, Estrogen / genetics*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / chemistry
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Estrogen Receptor alpha
  • Estrogen Receptor beta
  • GPER1 protein, human
  • Receptors, Estrogen
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors