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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
The gene regulatory networks controlled by estrogens
Hui Gao1, Karin Dahlman-Wright
1Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, S141 83, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
Estrogen signaling regulates genes via estrogen receptors. This review details estrogen-controlled gene networks using human cells and mouse models, highlighting ligand-receptor and DNA interactions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Estrogen signaling is a conserved biological process across diverse species.
- Estrogen receptors mediate cellular responses by regulating gene expression.
- Understanding estrogen's role in gene regulation is crucial for various physiological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on estrogen regulation of gene expression.
- To describe estrogen-controlled gene regulatory networks.
- To focus on insights from human cell lines and mouse models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on estrogen signaling pathways.
- Analysis of studies employing global gene expression analysis.
- Examination of research on protein-DNA interactions in estrogen regulation.
Main Results:
- Estrogen action involves complex interactions: ligand-receptor, receptor-DNA, and receptor-cofactor.
- Technological advancements enable comprehensive mapping of estrogen-regulated gene networks.
- Human cell lines and mouse models provide key data for understanding these networks.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptor-mediated gene regulation is a fundamental biological mechanism.
- Gene regulatory networks influenced by estrogen are intricate and widespread.
- Further research using advanced techniques will refine our understanding of estrogen's role in health and disease.
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