Versatility or promiscuity: the estrogen receptors, control of ligand selectivity and an update on subtype selective ligands.

ABSTRACT: The estrogen receptors (ERs) are a group of versatile receptors. They regulate an enormity of processes starting in early life and continuing through sexual reproduction, development, and end of life. This review provides a background and structural perspective for the ERs as part of the nuclear receptor superfamily and discusses the ER versatility and promiscuity. The wide repertoire of ER actions is mediated mostly through ligand-activated transcription factors and many DNA response elements in most tissues and organs. Their versatility, however, comes with the drawback of promiscuous interactions with structurally diverse exogenous chemicals with potential for a wide range of adverse health outcomes. Even when interacting with endogenous hormones, ER actions can have adverse effects in

SUBMITTER: Ng HW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4198987 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature