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Updated: May 21, 2026

Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
Estrogen receptors and human disease: an update
Katherine A Burns1, Kenneth S Korach
1Receptor Biology Section, Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Estrogens and their receptors (ERs) influence many mammalian physiological processes. This review updates the literature on estrogen
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- Estrogens and estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ, play critical roles in mammalian physiology.
- Estrogen's involvement in numerous diseases is well-established, necessitating updated research.
- Previous reviews highlighted estrogen's broad impact, requiring a current literature assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a 5-year literature update on the influence of estrogens on human diseases.
- To focus on estrogen's role in specific cancers, endometriosis, fibroids, and cardiovascular disease.
- To synthesize recent findings primarily from human data and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on articles published after 2006.
- Analysis of experimental studies providing insights into human disease.
- Emphasis on human data and clinical trials for disease state evaluation.
Main Results:
- Estrogen action through ERα and/or ERβ mediates various human disease states.
- Updated literature confirms estrogen's influence on breast, ovarian, colorectal, prostate, and endometrial cancers.
- Estrogen's role in endometriosis, fibroids, and cardiovascular disease progression is further elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen signaling via ERs is a significant factor in the pathogenesis and progression of multiple human diseases.
- Recent research reinforces the need to consider estrogen's complex role in disease management.
- Further investigation into estrogen's therapeutic targeting in these conditions is warranted.
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