Update on estrogen signaling

Abstract

Our understanding of estrogen signaling has undergone a true paradigm shift over recent years, following the discovery in 1995 of a second estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor β (ERβ). In many contexts ERβ appears to antagonize the actions of ERα (yin/yang relationship) although there also exist genes that are specifically regulated by one of the two receptors. Studies of ERβ knockout mice have shown that ERβ exerts important functions in the ovary, central nervous system, mammary gland, prostate gland, hematopoiesis, immune system, vessels and bone. The use of ERβ‐specific ligands against certain forms of cancer represents one of the many pharmaceutical possibilities that have been created thanks to the discovery of ERβ.