More than 70% of all breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ERα). ERα
is a member of the nuclear receptor family, and its activity is implicated in the gene transcription
linked to the proliferation of breast cancer cells, as well as in extranuclear signaling pathways related
to the development of resistance to endocrine therapy. Protein-protein interactions and posttranslational
modifications of ERα underlie critical mechanisms that modulate its activity. In this review, the relationship
between ERα and ubiquitin protein (Ub), was investigated in the context of breast cancer
cells. Interestingly, Ub can bind covalently or non-covalently to ERα resulting in either a proteolytic
or non-proteolytic fate for this receptor. Thereby, Ub-dependent molecular pathways that modulate
ERα signaling may play a central role in breast cancer progression, and consequently, present critical
targets for treatment of this disease.
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