Targeting the Estrogen Receptor in Breast Cancer
Estrogen is commonly referred to as a sex hormone due to its key role in the development of secondary sex characteristics and the regulation of the female reproductive system. However, its effects are much more wide-reaching, impacting the immune and cardiovascular systems, bone density and metabolic processes.
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The biological effects of estrogen are mediated through its binding to structurally and functionally distinct estrogen receptors. The estrogen receptor is consequently of pharmaceutical interest as a target for the treatment of osteoporosis, breast cancer, and other female endocrine disorders.
The estrogen receptor
The estrogen receptor exists in two forms, ERα and ERβ, that are transcribed from unique genes and have different and specific roles. Both ERα and ERβ are expressed in the glandular epithelium and stroma of the endometrium, but ERα is the major estrogen receptor subtype in mammary epithelium.
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