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Estrogen Receptor Differential Activation

Meaning

This highly specific molecular concept describes the phenomenon where different compounds, including endogenous estrogens or synthetic selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), exert varying effects by selectively activating or blocking the two main estrogen receptor subtypes, estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). This differential action allows for tissue-specific hormonal effects, enabling beneficial actions in one tissue, such as bone, while minimizing undesirable effects in another, like the breast or endometrium. It is the molecular basis for precision endocrinology.