Mutations in the Estrogen Receptor Alpha Hormone Binding Domain Promote Stem Cell Phenotype through Notch Activation in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

The detection of recurrent mutations affecting the hormone binding domain (HBD) of estrogen receptor alpha (ER α/ESR1) in endocrine therapy-resistant and metastatic breast cancers has prompted interest in functional characterization of these genetic alterations. Here, we explored the role of HBD-ESR1 mutations in influencing the behaviour of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), using various BC cell lines stab ly expressing wild-type or mutant (Y537 N, Y537S, D538G) ERα. Compared to WT-ERα clones, mutant cells showed increased CD44+/CD24- ratio, mRNA levels of stemness genes, Mammosphere Forming Efficiency (MFE), Self-Renewal and migratory capabilities.
Source: Cancer Letters - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research