Final answer:
Overexpression of hormone receptors in cancer cells can lead to increased sensitivity to hormones, promoting cell growth, signaling, and transcription regulation. This biological process can be exploited by cancerous cells to accelerate their growth and division. Targeted therapies, like Herceptin, have been developed to inhibit these receptors, providing effective treatment options.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hormone receptors often play a crucial role in the development and progression of many types of cancer. When overexpressed, these receptors can be more sensitive to hormones that promote cellular activities such as cell signaling, transcription regulation, and ultimately, cell division. Cancerous cells can exploit this increased sensitivity to accelerate their growth and division, thereby contributing to tumor progression.
For example, HER2 is a cell-surface receptor that when overexpressed, due to gene duplication, can contribute to the aggressiveness of certain breast cancers. To combat this, drugs like Herceptin have been developed. Herceptin targets HER2 and, when used in combination with chemotherapy, has improved survival rates for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Another impact of hormone receptor overexpression is seen in the case of EGFR, which can lead to increased activation of multiple protein kinases and transcription factors that control genes involved in cell growth. Targeted therapies that inhibit EGFR are now used to manage these types of cancers. Hormone receptors therefore present both a challenge and an opportunity in cancer biology, making them a focal point for research and treatment innovation.