The Important Role of Estrogen Receptor-β in Women’s Health

Abstract

Since the initial identification of the estrogen receptor (ER) in the 1950s, its role in several key cellular and physiological processes has been well established. Since the discovery of a second receptor, estrogen receptor-β (ERβ), in the mid-1990s, increasing evidence has indicated that the field of ER biology is multifaceted. Although estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and ERβ share commonalities in parts of their structure and their ability to bind to estrogen response elements, transgenic mouse models knocking out either or both of the genes have demonstrated distinct functions of each receptor. Some cells express only ERα or ERβ; others express both. The presence of various ER isoforms adds to the complexity involved in ER biology. The diversity in ER expression patterns and their function as demonstrated by phenotypes of ER transgenic knockout models suggests that each ER plays a distinct role in various biological processes. The goal of this issue is to highlight the role of ERβ in various physiological and pathological processes specific to women’s health, and, if relevant, to compare this to ERα biology with the hope this will inspire further research surrounding ERβ function and ultimately improve the care of our female patients.