Involvement of the Estrogen and Progesterone Axis in Cancer Stemness: Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Significance

作者：Bi Chen, Peng Ye, Yeh Chen, Tong Liu, Jong‐Ho Cha, Xiuwen Yan, Wenhao Yang · 发表于：Frontiers in Oncology · 年份：2020 · DOI：10.3389/fonc.2020.01657 · 被引用次数：23 · 研究领域：Cancer Cells and Metastasis、PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in cancer、FOXO transcription factor regulation

Estrogen and progesterone regulate the growth and development of human tissues, including the reproductive system and breasts, through estrogen and progesterone receptors, respectively. These receptors are also important indicators for the clinical prognosis of breast cancer and various reproductive cancers. Many studies have reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Although the role of estrogen and progesterone in human organs and various cancers has been studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of these hormones on CSCs remain unclear. Therefore, further elucidation of the effects of estrogen and progesterone on CSCs should provide a new direction for developing pertinent therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the estrogen and progesterone axis involved in cancer stemness and discuss potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit CSCs by targeting relevant pathways.