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Updated: Sep 29, 2026

Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
Published on: June 7, 2020
Phytoestrogens as modulators of steroid action in target cells
C Benassayag1, M Perrot-Applanat, F Ferre
1U361 INSERM, Université Paris V, Pavillon Baudelocque, Port Royal Cochin, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Although numerous reports exist on the potential beneficial role of nutritional phytoestrogens in human health, their molecular mechanism in target cells is still not completely understood. Phytoestrogens promote estrogen and antiestrogen effects by interacting with numerous molecules, carrier proteins, enzymes and membrane and nuclear receptors, directly or indirectly involved in the transfer of estrogen signals. The hypothesis that the ER beta subtype plays a key role in antiproliferative effect of phytoestrogens, especially in breast cancer, is examined here. This review focus on the effects of phytoestrogens in developmental processes such as those linked to reproductive function, tumorigenesis and angiogenesis.
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