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Published on: February 19, 2021
Update on ERbeta
Jan-Ake Gustafsson1, Anders Strom1, Margaret Warner1
1Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, United States.
Abstract:
ERbeta (ERβ) celebrated its 20th birthday in 2016 and although the overwhelming data in the literature indicate a role for this receptor in the control of epithelial proliferation, neurodegeneration and immune function, no ERβ agonists have yet made it to the clinics. This is the situation, despite the fact that very good safe ERβ agonists have been synthesized and at least one has been donated to the NIH for distribution to researchers, who want to study its possible clinical use. Clinical trials are ongoing for the use of ERβ agonists in prostate cancer and schizophrenia but even today reviewers of our grants still make comments like "The grant is excellent except that the focus of the grant is ERβ". There are multiple reasons for the non-acceptance of the value of ERβ and in this paper we will discuss issues raised by labs which do not support a role for ERβ in physiology or pathology.
Insights
Despite evidence for estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in epithelial proliferation, neurodegeneration, and immune function, ERβ agonists face clinical and research acceptance challenges. This paper examines reasons for the non-acceptance of ERβ
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has known roles in epithelial proliferation, neurodegeneration, and immune function.
- Despite synthesized ERβ agonists and ongoing clinical trials for prostate cancer and schizophrenia, none have reached clinical approval.
- Research and clinical acceptance of ERβ's value remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the reasons behind the limited clinical and research acceptance of ERβ.
- To address criticisms and challenges faced by ERβ research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing data.
- Discussion of counterarguments and challenges presented by research labs.
- Examination of the physiological and pathological roles of ERβ.
Main Results:
- Overwhelming data support ERβ's role in key physiological processes.
- Significant obstacles exist in the clinical translation and research community's acceptance of ERβ.
- Specific examples of grant review criticisms highlight the non-acceptance issue.
Conclusions:
- The non-acceptance of ERβ's value is multifaceted and requires further investigation.
- Addressing the identified issues is crucial for advancing ERβ-targeted therapies.
- Continued research and open discussion are needed to overcome current barriers.
