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An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
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New roles for neuronal estrogen receptors
1Institute of Brain Science, Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|June 10, 2017
Summary
Estrogen receptors (ERs) traditionally signal via genomic pathways. A novel G protein-coupled receptor (GPER) mediates rapid, pregenomic estrogen signaling in the nervous system, impacting cognition and mood.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Molecular Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogens are steroid hormones with critical roles beyond the reproductive system, including in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Classical estrogen signaling occurs via nuclear estrogen receptors (ERs) through genomic pathways, characterized by delayed onset and prolonged effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER).
- To discuss the newly discovered roles of GPER in neuronal functions, including cognition, depression, homeostasis, and pain processing.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on estrogen signaling pathways.
- Focus on the mechanisms and functions of GPER, a 7-transmembrane spanning G protein-coupled receptor.
Main Results:
- Estrogen can also signal through rapid, pregenomic pathways mediated by GPER.
- GPER activation leads to intracellular changes within seconds to minutes, distinct from classical genomic effects.
Conclusions:
- GPER represents a significant pathway for estrogen's non-reproductive actions in the nervous system.
- Understanding GPER mechanisms is crucial for exploring its roles in neurological and psychiatric conditions.
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