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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
Generation of Neural Stem Cells from Discarded Human Fetal Cortical Tissue
Published on: May 25, 2011
Estrogens, apoptosis and cells of neural origin
S Belcredito1, A Brusadelli, A Maggi
1Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
In mammals, estrogens have a multiplicity of effects in all known neural cells. We review here some of the mechanisms enabling estrogens to differentiate their influence on neural targets. In view of the potential interest in the use of estrogens in the therapy of several pathologies of the nervous system, we have proposed the use of a reductionist approach for the systematic understanding of estrogen activities in each specific type of target cell. We have therefore generated a model system in which to study the activation of one of the known estrogen receptors: estrogen receptor alpha. This system allowed us to identify a number of novel genes, the expression of which may be influenced following the activation of this receptor subtype by estradiol. We here report on preliminary data obtained by the study of one of these target genes, nip2, which encodes a proapoptotic protein product. We hypothesize that Nip2 might be an important molecular determinant for estrogen anti-apoptotic activity in cells of neural origin.
Insights
Estrogens influence neural cells by activating estrogen receptor alpha. This research identifies novel genes, like nip2, potentially mediating estrogen
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Estrogens exert diverse effects on all neural cells in mammals.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for potential neurological therapies.
- A reductionist approach is proposed to systematically study estrogen activity in specific neural cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically understand estrogen activities in specific neural target cells.
- To investigate the activation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in a model system.
- To identify novel genes influenced by ERα activation by estradiol.
Main Methods:
- Generation of a model system to study estrogen receptor alpha activation.
- Identification of novel genes regulated by estradiol via ERα.
- Preliminary investigation of the target gene nip2, encoding a proapoptotic protein.
Main Results:
- A model system for studying ERα activation was successfully generated.
- Several novel genes were identified as potentially influenced by ERα activation.
- Preliminary data on nip2 suggests its expression is modulated by ERα activation.
Conclusions:
- The model system facilitates the study of ERα-mediated gene expression in neural cells.
- Nip2 is identified as a potential target gene of ERα.
- Nip2 may play a role in the anti-apoptotic effects of estrogens in neural cells.
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