Comprehensive Analysis of Recent Biochemical and Biologic Findings Regarding a Newly Discovered Protein-PELP1/MNAR

Abstract

Estradiol (E2) and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling have been implicated in the development and progression of several cancers. Emerging evidence suggests that the status of ER coregulators in tumor cells plays an important role in hormonal responsiveness and tumor progression. Proline, glutamic acid, and leucine-rich protein-1 (PELP1/MNAR)—a novel ER coactivator that plays an essential role in the ER’s actions and its expression—is deregulated in several hormonal responsive cancers. The precise function of PELP1/MNAR in cancer progression remains unclear, but PELP1 appears to function as a scaffolding protein, coupling ER with several proteins that are implicated in oncogenesis. Emerging evidence suggests that PELP1/MNAR increases E2-mediated cell proliferation and participates in E2-mediated tumorigenesis and metastasis.