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Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
06:07

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Published on: June 7, 2020

Cellular functions of plasma membrane estrogen receptors

Ellis R Levin1

  • 1Division of Endocrinology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 5901 E. 7th St., Long Beach, CA 90822, USA. ellis.levin@med.va.gov

Steroids
|April 19, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Plasma membrane estrogen receptors (ER) initiate crucial cell functions like growth and survival upon estradiol binding. These membrane-bound ER, often found in caveolae, trigger signaling cascades, influencing gene transcription and cell behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Endocrinology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • Estrogen receptors (ER) are critical for steroid hormone action.
  • Plasma membrane ER (mER) play significant roles in cellular processes.
  • Estradiol (E2) binding to cell surface ER initiates rapid signaling events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review advances in understanding the cell biology of estrogen action at the plasma membrane.
  • To highlight the role of membrane estrogen receptors in cellular signaling.
  • To discuss the localization and function of mER in caveolae.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on membrane estrogen receptors.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways activated by estradiol binding to cell surface ER.
  • Discussion of the cross-talk between membrane ER and other signaling molecules like EGFR.

Main Results:

  • Plasma membrane ER are crucial for cell growth, survival, migration, and angiogenesis.
  • Estradiol binding to membrane ER triggers signal transduction cascades, including G protein activation and EGFR cross-activation.
  • Membrane ER are localized to caveolae, facilitating crosstalk with signaling molecules.

Conclusions:

  • Membrane estrogen receptors are key mediators of rapid, non-genomic estrogen actions.
  • Understanding mER function is vital for comprehending diverse cellular responses to estrogen.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the translocation mechanisms of mER to caveolae.

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