Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ): subtype-selective ligands and clinical potential

Ilaria Paterni1, Carlotta Granchi1, John A Katzenellenbogen2

  • 1Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy.

Steroids
|June 28, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ) regulate human physiology. This review updates compounds modulating ERs for treating diseases like cancer, metabolic disorders, and osteoporosis.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) are key nuclear transcription factors.
  • These receptors regulate numerous complex human physiological processes.
  • Dysregulation of ER signaling is implicated in various diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of recent ER modulators.
  • To update knowledge on compounds targeting ERα and ERβ.
  • To focus on the clinical applications of these modulators.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of identified ER modulators.
  • Assessment of potential therapeutic applications.

Main Results:

  • Identification of novel compounds modulating ERα and ERβ.
  • Summary of recent advancements in ER modulator research.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic potential across diverse pathological conditions.

Conclusions:

  • ER modulators show promise for treating cancer, metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Further research into ER modulation is crucial for clinical applications.
  • Targeting ERs offers a potential therapeutic strategy for multiple human diseases.

Related Concept Videos

Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors01:31

Transducer 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:
6.5K
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers01:17

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of ɑ-Receptor Blockers

Adrenergic antagonists, or sympatholytics, inhibit adrenoceptor activation driven by catecholamines or agonists. Based on their adrenoceptor specificity, adrenergic blockers can be categorized into two primary groups: α-adrenergic blockers (α-blockers) and β-adrenergic blockers (β-blockers). α-blockers interact with α1 and α2 subtypes of α-adrenoceptors.
Nonselective α-blockers: Nonselective α-blockers contain haloalkylamine or imidazoline...
1.7K
Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype01:31

Adrenergic Receptors: ɑ Subtype

Adrenoceptors are classified into α and ꞵ classes based on their potencies to catecholamine agonists. α-adrenoceptors show the following order of catecholamine potency:
Adrenaline ≥ Noradrenaline >> Isoprenaline
α-adrenoceptors are further divided into α1 and α2-adrenoceptors.
α1-Adrenoceptors: These receptors are located postsynaptically on the effector organs and cause constriction of smooth muscle mediated by activation of phospholipase...
2.7K
G Protein-coupled Receptors01:15

G Protein-coupled Receptors

G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
14.0K
Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers01:25

Adrenergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Classification of β-Receptor Blockers

β-adrenergic antagonists, or β-blockers, modulate the sympathetic nervous system by targeting β-adrenoceptors and inhibiting catecholamine-mediated sympathetic responses. β-blockers differ in their adrenoceptor subtype affinity, lipophilicity, and α-blocking capabilities. The history of β-blocker development began with the prototype, dichloroisoprenaline, which exhibited partial agonist activity. As a result, propranolol was developed as a pure antagonist but...
1.6K
Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype01:26

Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype

β-adrenoceptors have varied sensitivities towards adrenaline, noradrenaline, and isoprenaline. The order of agonist potency is as follows:
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
β1-adrenoceptors: β1-adrenoceptors...
3.8K