Molecular actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone and their relationship with cellular signaling pathways

Abstract

SEX STEROIDS: 17β-estradiol and progesterone play a major role in modulation of reproductive functions of the organism and participate in regulation of a broad spectrum of cellular processes in target cells via their specific receptors. Our understanding of molecular mechanisms of sex steroid action has significantly developed over the last years. Apart from the well-established effect of sex steroids on regulation of gene expression, some rapid nongenomic mechanisms have been identified, which are involved in modulation of the activity of several cellular, membrane-bound and cytoplasmic regulatory proteins. 17β-estradiol and progesterone regulate several signal transduction pathways, which involve activation of enzymes such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and tyrosine kinases. Biological effects of sex steroids action constitute a complex interplay of genomic and nongenomic mechanisms, and depend on the physiological and genetic context of the target cell. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of sex steroids action is therefore important and may broaden our knowledge about their role in both physiological and pathological processes. This review provides a comprehensive insight into the molecular actions of 17β-estradiol and progesterone, aiming to present the role of these sex steroids in regulation of cellular signaling pathways.