HSD17B1 knockdown by siRNA modulates the transcript profile of ER+ breast cancer cells. HSD17B1 modulates gene expression in steroid-dependent and -independent manners. 17β-HSD1 can regulate gene expression independently of its substrate estradiol (E2). Genes regulated by 17β-HSD1 in E2-independent manner are mostly cancer-related. Apoptosis and cell death genes are generally up-regulated by HSD17B1 knockdown.