Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Detecting the Ligand-binding Domain Dimerization Activity of Estrogen Receptor Alpha Using the Mammalian Two-Hybrid Assay
Published on: December 19, 2018
Estrogen rapid action via protein complex formation involving ERalpha and Src
Robert X-D Song1, Zhenguo Zhang, Richard J Santen
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903, USA. rs5wf@virginia.edu
Abstract:
This review provides insight into biomolecular knowledge regarding the non-genomic actions of estrogen in hormone-dependent breast cancer, particularly its role in the rapid stimulation of pathways that transmit signals to increase cell division or decrease programmed cell death. Until recently, attention to estrogenic effects focused primarily on events in the nucleus, where most estrogen receptors (ERalpha and beta) reside. However, a fraction of ERalpha associated with the cell membrane also participates in rapid estrogen-induced cell membrane-mediated events via formation of a protein complex with many signaling molecules, leading to activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signaling pathways. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these relationships, with the aim of abrogating specific steps, should lead to more targeted strategies to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Directing Proteins to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum
Protein Modifications in the RER
Broadly, these modifications can be categorized into four main categories — glycosylation, formation of disulfide bonds, assembly of protein subunits, and specific proteolytic cleavages like removal of signal sequences.
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Internal Receptors
The Unfolded Protein Response
Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...

