ERO1α as a Potential Drug Target for Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence

Khojayeva K. Moldasheva A. Aljofan M.
November 2025 Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2025 #26 Issue 21

Hypoxia, oxidative stress, and impaired protein folding contribute to tumor progression and therapy resistance. Endoplasmic Reticulum Oxidoreductin 1 Alpha (ERO1α) is a key enzyme regulating redox homeostasis in the endoplasmic reticulum by reoxidizing protein disulfide isomerase, facilitating disulfide bond formation, and generating reactive oxygen species. Elevated ERO1α levels are associated with increased tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and poor clinical outcomes. Despite growing evidence of its tumor-promoting functions, no clinically approved ERO1α inhibitors exist. This systematic review provides a comprehensive and integrative analysis of current research on ERO1α in breast cancer, emphasizing its roles in hypoxia response, angiogenesis, immune modulation, and ferroptosis resistance. We discuss mechanistic links, including VEGF-A maturation and PD-L1-mediated immune evasion, and highlight recent advances in small-molecule ERO1α inhibitors and preclinical therapeutic strategies. By consolidating molecular insights and translational considerations, this review underscores ERO1α as both a promising therapeutic target and potential prognostic marker, offering guidance for future drug development and targeted interventions in redox-dependent cancer pathways.

breast cancer , drug target , ERO1α , oxidative stress

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Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Drug Discovery and Development, Center of Life Sciences, National Laboratory, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan

Department of Biomedical Sciences
Drug Discovery and Development

10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель

Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026