Targeting ESR1 restores SQSTM1-dependent autophagy and sensitizes ER-positive breast cancer to oxidative and radiation stress.

ABSTRACT: Estrogen receptor-positive (ER⁺) breast cancer is commonly treated with hormone therapy; however, these tumors frequently develop drug resistance and exhibit poor responses to radiotherapy. To investigate the molecular basis of therapy resistance, we explored the role of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) in modulating sensitivity to oxidative and radiation stress. Through integrative analysis of publicly available datasets, we identified ESR1 as a key molecular marker associated not only with breast cancer classification but also with radiosensitivity. In ER⁺ breast cancer cell lines, higher endogenous ESR1 expression correlated with increased resistance to ionizing radiation. Functional studies using ESR1 overexpression and knockdown models revealed that depletion of ESR1 sensitized cells to

SUBMITTER: Yang YF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12504691 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature