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New roles for neuronal estrogen receptors

C-L Lu1,2,3, C Herndon4

  • 1Institute of Brain Science, Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.

Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|June 10, 2017
PubMed

Insights

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.
Keywords:
GPERestrogenneuronal functionpregenomic pathway

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