Molecular and Physiological Roles of Estrogen Receptor

Estrogen receptor (ER) has been shown to be involved in several cellular and metabolic pathways. In this study, we reviewed the literature for molecular and physiological roles of estrogen receptor in normal and pathological conditions. We discussed the expression of estrogen receptor in several tissues as well as the potential of using ERb agonists in treating proliferative hematological disorders. The function of estrogen is varied and may look contradicted. Estrogen has multiple roles under physiological conditions including signaling roles in cell growth, reproduction, development and differentiation. Estrogens exert their effects through two distinct estrogen receptors, ER-α and β to which E2 binds strongly. The expression of ERs depends mainly on the type of ER. Although estrogen mainly acts in reproductive system, its receptors are selectively expressed in different tissues. ER-β is highly expressed in the ovary, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, lung, male reproductive organs, prostate, colon, kidney and the immune system. ERb is highly expressed in lymphoid cells, and the finding of anti-proliferative roles of ERb, the potential to use ERb agonists in treating proliferative hematological disorders has been raised. Taken together, the function of estrogen seems to be determined by the estrogen receptor which is expressed in various tissues with relatively predominant forms. There is a potential to used ERb agonists in treating proliferative hematological disorders.