The multiple roles of estrogens and the enzyme aromatase.
Aromatase is the enzyme that catalyzes the last step of estrogen biosynthesis. It is expressed in many tissues such as the gonads, brain and adipose tissue. The regulation of the level and activity of aromatase determines the levels of estrogens that have endocrine, paracrine and autocrine effects on tissues. Estrogens play many roles in the body, regulating reproduction, metabolism and behavior. In the brain, cell survival and the activity of neurons are affected by estrogens and hence aromatase.
Boon
Wah Chin
WC
Florey Neuroscience Institutes, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Centre of Neuroscience, Melbourne University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. wah.chin.boon@florey.edu.au <wah.chin.boon@florey.edu.au>
Chow
Jenny D Y
JD
Simpson
Evan R
ER
D000818:Animals; D001141:Aromatase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D001921:Brain / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism; D004967:Estrogens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009474:Neurons / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D004967:Estrogens; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D001141:Aromatase; D005947:Glucose