Estrogen-related receptor alpha in select host functions and cancer: new frontiers

Eukaryotic gene expression is under the tight control of transcription factors, which includes the estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERR alpha). The endogenous ligand(s) acting as ERR alpha agonist has not been identified and confirmed. ERR alpha is a prominent member of the nuclear receptors super-family with major roles in energy metabolism, including immunity, cell growth, proliferation and differentiation and a host of other functions in animals. The actions exerted by ERR alpha towards gene expression regulation are often in association with other transcriptional factors, receptors and signal mediators. Metabolic regulation by ERR alpha is known for some time that has tremendous impact on host biology like autophagy, angiogenesis, mitochondrial activity, including lipid metabolism. Cellular metabolism and cancer has intricate relationship. On account of the participation of ERR alpha in metabolism, it has been implicated in various types of cancer onset and progression. In a number of findings, ERR alpha has been demonstrated to influence several types of cancers, exhibiting as a negative prognostic marker for many. Such diverse role associated with ERR alpha is due to its interaction with numerous transcriptional factors and other signalling pathways that culminate in providing optimal gene regulation. These observations points to the crucial regulatory roles of ERR alpha in health and disease. In this article, some of the new findings on the influence of ERR alpha in host metabolism and biology including cancer, shall be reviewed that will provide a concise understanding of this receptor.

Automated summary

In this article, we review the latest research on the influence of ERR alpha on host metabolism and biology, particularly cancer. This receptor plays a crucial role in energy metabolism and gene regulation, interacts with numerous transcription factors and signaling pathways, and has significant regulatory effects on health and disease.