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Estrogen-Related Receptor Alpha

Meaning

Estrogen-Related Receptor alpha (ERRα), or NR3B1, is an orphan nuclear receptor that shares structural homology with the classical estrogen receptors but does not bind to or directly respond to endogenous estrogens like estradiol. Despite its nomenclature, ERRα functions as a constitutive transcriptional activator, playing a crucial, estrogen-independent role in regulating the expression of genes involved in cellular energy metabolism. Its clinical significance lies in its function as a master metabolic sensor that controls mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation.