title: Ovarian actions of estrogen receptor-β: an update.
abstract: Estrogen is essential for folliculogenesis with independent roles attributed to each of the two estrogen receptors (ERs). ERβ, expressed predominantly by the ovarian granulosa cells, is required for antrum formation, preovulatory follicle maturation, expression of genes involved in ovarian differentiation (luteinizing hormone, aromatase, etc.), and follicle rupture during ovulation. Ovulatory dysfunction is associated with polymorphisms of the ERβ gene, and endocrine disruptors that selectively activate ERβ cause reproductive dysfunction and impairment fertility. ERβ may also exhibit antitumorigenic properties, with a decline in ERβ levels in epithelial ovarian cancers associated with more severe disease and poor prognosis. In this review, we examine the models that have been used to elucidate the roles ERβ plays in the ovary and consider the clinical consequences of altered ERβ expression or inappropriate activation of ERβ signaling.
authors.affiliation: Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. ann.drummond@princehenrys.org
authors.forename: Ann E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Drummond
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Fuller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D048789:Phytoestrogens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D047629:Estrogen Receptor beta; D004967:Estrogens; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D020033:Protein Isoforms