Estrogen receptor function and regulation in fish and other vertebrates

Erik R. Nelson, Hamid R. Habibi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Estrogens, steroid hormones critically involved in reproductive processes of vertebrates, signal primarily through their intracellular estrogen receptors (ERs). The ERs belong to a superfamily of nuclear receptors that act as ligand inducible transcription factors. Herein, we review what is known about ER structure, subtypes, mechanism(s) of action and auto-regulation by estrogens. Focus is placed on the ER in fish but comparisons are made to mammals and other vertebrates. Finally, we provide context and a proposed model integrating our knowledge on autoregulation of the receptor and its functions in the liver. Future areas of study are suggested, along with cautions when designing experiments, especially for the detection of endocrine disruptors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)15-24
Number of pages10
JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology
Volume192
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Estrogen receptor
  • Fish
  • Function
  • Nuclear Receptor
  • Regulation
  • Vitellogenin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Endocrinology

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