Preliminary molecular dynamic simulations of the estrogen receptor alpha ligand binding domain from antagonist to apo.

ABSTRACT: Estrogen receptors (ER) are known as nuclear receptors. They exist in the cytoplasm of human cells and serves as a DNA binding transcription factor that regulates gene expression. However the estrogen receptor also has additional functions independent of DNA binding. The human estrogen receptor comes in two forms, alpha and beta. This work focuses on the alpha form of the estrogen receptor. The ERalpha is found in breast cancer cells, ovarian stroma cells, endometrium, and the hypothalamus. It has been suggested that exposure to DDE, a metabolite of DDT, and other pesticides causes conformational changes in the estrogen receptor. Before examining these factors, this work examines the protein unfolding from the antagonist form found in the 3ERT PDB crystal structure. The 3ERT PDB crystal st

SUBMITTER: McGee TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3662225 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature