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Updated: May 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 dependent activation function of ERβ is essential for the sexual behavior of mouse females
Maria Cristina Antal1, Benoît Petit-Demoulière, Hamid Meziane
1Institut d'Histologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, 67085 Strasbourg, France.
Abstract:
We previously generated and characterized a genuine estrogen receptor (ER) β-null mouse line (named ERβ(ST)(L-/L-)) and showed that ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) mice were sterile, due to an ovulation impairment in females and to an unknown reason in males, as their reproductive organs and spermatozoid motility appeared normal. We report here an assessment of the sexual behavior of ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) null mice. We found that ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) males display mildly impaired sexual behavior and that ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) females are significantly less receptive and less attractive than wild-type (WT) females. Decreased attractivity is also exhibited by ERβAF2(0) but not by ERβAF1(0) mutant females (females devoid of either AF2 or AF1 activation function of ERβ). Interestingly, by using an odor preference test, we have determined that the low attractiveness of ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) and ERβAF2(0) females is related to a deficiency of a volatile chemosignal.
Insights
Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) null mice exhibit altered sexual behaviors. ERβ-null females show reduced receptivity and attractiveness due to a lack of specific volatile chemosignals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Animal Behavior
Background:
- Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) plays a crucial role in reproductive functions.
- Previous studies generated ERβ-null mice (ERβ(ST)(L-/L-)) exhibiting sterility due to ovulation defects in females and unknown reasons in males.
- Reproductive organs and sperm motility in ERβ-null males appeared normal, necessitating further investigation into their reproductive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the sexual behavior of ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) null mice.
- To investigate the role of ERβ activation functions (AF1 and AF2) in female sexual behavior and attractiveness.
- To identify the underlying cause of reduced attractiveness in ERβ-null females.
Main Methods:
- Behavioral assays were conducted to evaluate the sexual behavior of ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) mice.
- An odor preference test was employed to assess female attractiveness.
- ERβAF2(0) and ERβAF1(0) mutant females were used to delineate the function of ERβ activation domains.
Main Results:
- ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) males displayed mildly impaired sexual behavior.
- ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) females exhibited significantly reduced receptivity and attractiveness compared to wild-type (WT) females.
- Reduced attractiveness in ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) and ERβAF2(0) females was linked to a deficiency in volatile chemosignals, while ERβAF1(0) females did not show this deficit.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen receptor beta is essential for normal sexual behavior in both male and female mice.
- The AF2 activation function of ERβ is critical for female attractiveness, likely mediated by volatile chemosignals.
- These findings highlight the complex role of ERβ in regulating reproductive behaviors beyond its known effects on fertility.