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Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Detecting the Ligand-binding Domain Dimerization Activity of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Using the Mammalian Two-Hybrid Assay
09:07

Detecting the Ligand-binding Domain Dimerization Activity of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Using the Mammalian Two-Hybrid Assay

Published on: December 19, 2018

Estrogen receptor alpha polymorphisms and renal cell carcinoma--a possible risk

Yuichiro Tanaka1, Masahiro Sasaki, Masanori Kaneuchi

  • 1Department of Urology, University of California at San Francisco and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4150 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. urologylab@aol.com

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|May 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) gene may increase the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common kidney cancer. Further research is needed to confirm this association.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the predominant kidney cancer, yet its genetic underpinnings remain incompletely elucidated.
  • Estrogens and their receptors (ERs) are implicated in various cancers, with potential roles in human kidney tissue.
  • Estrogen exposure in Syrian hamsters induces kidney cancer, suggesting a role for the hormone-ER complex in renal carcinogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential association between genetic polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) gene and the development of renal cell carcinoma.
  • To explore how ERalpha gene variants might influence tissue responsiveness to estrogens, potentially contributing to renal cancer risk.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of known polymorphisms within the coding region of the human ERalpha gene (codons 10, 85, 87, 243, 325, 594).
  • Identification of polymorphisms in intron 1 of the ERalpha gene, creating PvuII and XbaI restriction sites.
  • Review of existing literature linking ERalpha polymorphisms to other cancer types.

Main Results:

  • Specific polymorphisms identified in the ERalpha gene's coding region and intron 1.
  • Previous studies demonstrate associations between ERalpha polymorphisms and various cancers.
  • The N-terminal region of ERalpha is crucial for its function, suggesting inherited variants could alter estrogen response.

Conclusions:

  • Inherited variants in the ERalpha gene may modify susceptibility to renal cell carcinoma.
  • Further studies are warranted to confirm the hypothesized link between ERalpha gene polymorphisms and RCC development.
  • Understanding the role of ERalpha in kidney cancer could open new avenues for prevention and treatment.

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