Molecular structure of BRCA1-estrogen receptor alpha-estrogen complex: relevance to breast cancer?

Recent studies indicate that BRCA1, the first breast cancer susceptibility gene to be identified and cloned, interacts with and regulates the activity of estrogen receptor alpha. The availability of genetic tests for BRCA gene mutations has prompted cancer geneticists to generate information about genetic risk and inform women with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer of preventive measures. However, knowledge on the human BRCA1-estrogen receptor alpha-estrogen complex is limited. Here, the author focuses on its 3D molecular structure and properties.