Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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 receptors--known and unknown biological functions
Pepa G Ganchevska1, Angel P Uchikov, Vasilii S Ishev
1Department of General Biology, Department of Thoracoabdominal Surgery, University Hospital "St.George", Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Folia Medica
|April 6, 2007
Summary
Estrogen receptors (ERs) influence cell proliferation and are implicated in various cancers. Understanding ER mechanisms offers new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neoplastic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Estrogen receptors (ERs) are key regulators of cellular processes.
- Their role in cell proliferation links them to cancer development.
- ERs exhibit both genomic and non-genomic functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available data on estrogen receptor biological functions and tumorigenesis from 1995-2005.
- To describe ER domain organization and localization.
- To highlight ERs' significance in non-reproductive system tumors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published between 1995 and 2005.
- Analysis of data on ER domain organization, localization, and functions.
- Synthesis of information on ERs' role in tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- Estrogen receptors function as transcription factors and have extracellular effects.
- Estrogens stimulate cell proliferation, contributing to malignant conditions.
- ERs play a significant role in the development of tumors outside the reproductive system.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of ER mechanisms is crucial for understanding cancer.
- ERs are implicated in the genesis and development of various neoplastic lesions.
- Understanding ERs enhances diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
01:31Internal Receptors
Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and therefore cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind to internal, or intracellular, receptors that reside within the cell. Many mammalian steroid hormones use this mechanism of cell signaling, as does nitric oxide (NO) gas.
01:31Internal Receptors
Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and therefore cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind to internal, or intracellular, receptors that reside within the cell. Many mammalian steroid hormones use this mechanism of cell signaling, as does nitric oxide (NO) gas.
01:08Intracellular Hormone Receptors
Lipid-soluble hormones diffuse across the plasma and nuclear membrane of target cells to bind to their specific intracellular receptors. These receptors act as transcription factors that regulate gene expression and protein synthesis in the target cell
01:07Types of Receptors: Internal Receptors
Many cellular signals are hydrophilic and cannot pass through the plasma membrane. However, small or hydrophobic signaling molecules can cross the hydrophobic core of the plasma membrane and bind intracellular receptors that reside within the cell cytoplasm or nucleus. Many mammalian steroid hormones and nitric oxide (NO) gas use this cell signaling mechanism.
Similar to membrane-bound receptors, the binding of a ligand to the intracellular receptor of causes a conformational change in the...
Similar to membrane-bound receptors, the binding of a ligand to the intracellular receptor of causes a conformational change in the...
01:30Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...