In ER-negative colon carcinoma cells the transcription factor ETS1 drives caspase-1 expression15, whereas in neuroblastoma and ERα-positive breast cancer, ERα sequesters ETS1 as a co-activator (together with nuclear receptor coactivator p160) and promotes transcription of estrogen response genes16,17. The gene discussed is ESR1; the disease is colon carcinoma.