AIB1, a member of the steroid receptor co-activator family, is amplified in some breast cancers. Explain how this amplification may alter steroid-dependent breast cancers. Be specific on mechanism of action. Role of AIB1 Amplification in Steroid-Dependent Breast Cancers

Role of AIB1 Amplification in Steroid-Dependent Breast Cancers

AIB1, or Activator Interactor-1, is a member of the steroid receptor co-activator family, and its amplification has been observed in some breast cancers. Studies have demonstrated that AIB1 amplification can affect the progression of steroid-dependent breast cancers.
AIB1 works by binding and activating steroid receptors. By amplifying AIB1, the activation of steroid receptors is increased, leading to increased expression of steroid-dependent genes. This in turn can lead to an increase in the proliferation, survival and metastatic ability of the cancer cells (Rudy et al., 2016). Furthermore, AIB1 amplification has been found to increase steroid sensitivity in breast cancer cells, meaning that a smaller dose of hormonal therapy is needed for the same effect (Du et al., 2020). This could be beneficial for patients, as it may reduce the side effects of the treatment. In addition, AIB1 has been found to regulate the expression of other genes involved in cancer, such as those involved in cell cycle progression and DNA damage repair (Li et al., 2019). By amplifying AIB1, these processes may be altered, potentially leading to an increase in the aggressiveness of the cancer. Cont…