Estrogen-Related Receptor α: A Significant Regulator and Promising Target in Bone Homeostasis and Bone Metastasis

Bone homeostasis is maintained with the balance between bone formation and bone resorption, which is involved in the functional performance of osteoblast and osteoclast. Disruption of this equilibrium usually causes bone disorders including osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and osteosclerosis. In addition, aberrant activity of bone also contributes to the bone metastasis that frequently occurs in the late stage of aggressive cancers. Orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor (ERR alpha) has been demonstrated to control the bone cell fate and the progression of tumor cells in bone through crosstalk with various molecules and signaling pathways. However, the defined function of this receptor in bone is inconsistent and controversial. Therefore, we summarized the latest research and conducted an overview to reveal the regulatory effect of ERR alpha on bone homeostasis and bone metastasis, this review may broaden the present understanding of the cellular and molecular model of ERR alpha and highlight its potential implication in clinical therapy.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the regulatory effect of the orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related receptor (ERRα) on bone homeostasis and bone metastasis. The defined function of ERRα in bone is currently inconsistent and controversial, but it has the potential to become a target for clinical therapy.