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Published on: February 21, 2014
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Estrogen receptor signaling mechanisms
Nathalie Fuentes1, Patricia Silveyra2
1Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States.
Summary
Estrogens regulate female reproductive functions and development by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), influencing gene expression through genomic and non-genomic pathways. This review covers estrogen biosynthesis, receptor mechanisms, and therapeutic natural compounds.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Estrogens are primary female sex hormones crucial for reproductive system function and secondary sexual characteristic development.
- Estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate estrogenic actions by binding to receptors, initiating transcriptional and signaling events that control gene expression.
- Estrogen-mediated gene expression involves complex, highly regulated mechanisms, including direct genomic and indirect non-genomic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize 60 years of research on estrogen receptor-mediated gene expression mechanisms.
- To provide an overview of estrogen biosynthesis and its control of gene transcription.
- To discuss molecular events, receptor cross-talk, and natural compounds targeting estrogen receptors.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on estrogen receptor function and gene expression.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms of estrogen action via nuclear (ERα, ERβ) and membrane (GPER1) receptors.
- Discussion of signaling cascade cross-talk and natural compound interactions with estrogen receptors.
Main Results:
- Estrogen actions are mediated by nuclear and membrane receptors, influencing gene expression through diverse genomic and non-genomic pathways.
- Complex cross-talk exists between signaling cascades activated by different estrogen receptors.
- Natural compounds targeting specific estrogen receptors show potential for human health and therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of estrogen-mediated gene expression has been developed over 60 years.
- Estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ, GPER1) play critical roles in regulating gene transcription in various tissues.
- Targeting estrogen receptors with natural compounds offers promising therapeutic strategies for human health.
Keywords:
G-protein coupled estrogen receptorGene expressionNuclear estrogen receptorSteroidogenesisTranscriptional controlMore Related Videos
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