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Systems Biology of Metabolic Regulation by Estrogen Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer
Published on: March 17, 2016
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Membrane estrogen receptors signal to determine transcription factor function
1Division of Endocrinology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92717, USA; Tibor Rubin VAMC, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA; Departments of Medicine and Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92717, USA.
Steroids
|November 21, 2017
Summary
Estrogen receptors (ER) are found inside and outside the cell nucleus, including on the cell membrane. Membrane ER signaling influences transcription factors, impacting cell functions and disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Signaling Pathways
Background:
- Estrogen receptors (ER) and other steroid receptors reside in both nuclear and extra-nuclear cellular compartments.
- Extra-nuclear ER localization includes organelles like mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, endosomes, and membrane lipid rafts (caveolae).
- The precise functions of extra-nuclear ERs are not fully elucidated, though membrane-initiated signaling is increasingly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the expanding role of membrane-initiated estrogen receptor signaling.
- To discuss how membrane ER signaling affects transcription factor expression, localization, and function.
- To highlight the relevance of these pathways in cellular physiology and pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating membrane estrogen receptor signaling.
- Analysis of data linking membrane ERs to transcription factor regulation.
Main Results:
- Estrogen receptors are present in diverse extra-nuclear locations, including the cell membrane.
- Membrane ER signaling pathways are actively being uncovered.
- These pathways modulate the activity of key transcription factors crucial for cell function.
Conclusions:
- Membrane estrogen receptor signaling plays a significant role in cellular physiology and pathophysiology.
- Further research into extra-nuclear ER functions, particularly at the membrane, is warranted.
- Understanding membrane ER signaling is essential for comprehending cellular responses in various organs.
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