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ER-alpha Receptor

Meaning

The Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα) is a foundational protein belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, acting as a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates many of estrogen’s proliferative and metabolic effects. It is highly expressed in classical estrogen target tissues, including the breast, uterus, bone, liver, and specific neural regions. Activation of ERα by estrogens, particularly estradiol, drives the transcription of genes essential for reproductive health and skeletal maintenance. However, its activity is also implicated in the progression of certain hormone-sensitive cancers, making its selective modulation a key therapeutic strategy in hormonal health.