What is the Origin of Estrogen Receptor Beta (ESR2)?

The term combines the hormone "estrogen" with "receptor" and the Greek letter "beta" (β) to denote the second identified subtype of the estrogen receptor. The discovery of ESR2 in the mid-1990s expanded the understanding of estrogen's diverse and complex physiological roles beyond reproductive tissues.

What is the Mechanism of Estrogen Receptor Beta (ESR2)?

Upon binding to an estrogenic ligand, ESR2 forms a dimer, either a homodimer (ESR2-ESR2) or a heterodimer with ERα (ESR2-ERα), and translocates to the cell nucleus. The dimer then binds to Estrogen Response Elements (EREs) on the DNA or interacts with other nuclear transcription factors to regulate the expression of target genes. The unique tissue distribution and signaling pathways of ESR2 provide therapeutic targets for conditions influenced by estrogen, such as neuroprotection and bone health.

Estrogen Receptor Beta (ESR2) ∞ Area

Estrogen Receptor Beta (ESR2)

Meaning

One of the two principal intracellular receptors for the hormone estrogen, encoded by the ESR2 gene, which mediates distinct biological effects compared to its counterpart, Estrogen Receptor Alpha (ERα). Estrogen Receptor Beta (ESR2) functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor, playing a key role in modulating gene expression in tissues like the brain, bone, and immune system. Its actions are often associated with anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory signaling.