Cited by 224Estrogen and related hormone effectsCancer Risks and FactorsCancer, Lipids, and Metabolism

Aromatase, breast cancer and obesity: a complex interaction

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Bulun, Serdar E., Chen, Dong, Moy, Irene, Brooks, David C, Zhao, Hong·2012·Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism

Abstract

Obesity has been associated with abnormally high expression of the enzyme aromatase in the breast, increased local estrogen production, and predisposition to breast hyperplasia and cancer. Increased adiposity in postmenopausal women may trigger signaling pathways that induce aromatase expression. In breast adipose fibroblasts, increased TNF production may induce the distal aromatase promoter, whereas increased local PGE(2) production may induce the proximal promoter region. We review here the mechanisms that control aromatase gene expression in breast adipose tissue, and the paracrine interactions between malignant breast epithelial cells and the surrounding adipose fibroblasts. Systematic characterization of these signaling pathways will facilitate the identification of potential drug targets to selectively reduce aromatase expression and excessive estrogen production, with therapeutic benefit.

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  1. [68]Meng L TNFalpha and IL-11 secreted by malignant breast epithelial cells inhibit adipocyte differentiation by selectively downregulating C/EBPalpha and PPARgamma: mechanism of desmoplastic reaction Cancer Res 2001 61 2250 2255 11280794

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Authors
Bulun, S. E., Chen, D., Moy, I., Brooks, D. C., & Zhao, H.
Affiliations
Northwestern University (US)
Corresponding author
Bulun, Serdar E.
Venue
Trends in Endocrinology & Metabolism
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2012-02
Volume
23
Issue
2
Pages
83-89
ISSN
1043-2760 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2098876067
Cited by
224
References
88
Citations by year
2026: 13 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 14 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 19 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 16 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 15 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 12 · 2012: 9
FWCI
1.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • Avon Foundation for Women
  • Sage Foundation
  • National Cancer Institute (R29CA067167, R01CA067167, CA-67167)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Estrogen and related hormone effects
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer Risks and Factors
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cancer Research › Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism
Keywords
aromatase, breast cancer, obesity, aromatase gene expression, breast adipose tissue, estrogen synthesis, postmenopausal women, TNF signaling, prostaglandin E2, paracrine signaling, breast hyperplasia, therapeutic target
MeSH terms
Adipose Tissue, Aromatase, Breast, Breast Neoplasms, Estrogens, Female, Fibroblasts, Humans, Obesity, Signal Transduction, Paracrine Communication

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