The Multifaceted Mechanisms of Estradiol and Estrogen Receptor Signaling

In recent years it has become apparent through the use of ER agonists and antagonists that the biological actions of estrogens are multifaceted. Estrogens and antiestrogens mediate their effects through diverse molecular mechanisms. Thus, SERMs can be viewed as a class of compounds that exhibit an expanse of estrogen actions and specificity that capitalize on the preexistence of multiple cellular pathways of ER action in different target tissues. It is anticipated that the continued use of in vitro and animal models will reveal additional mechanisms of ER signaling and tissue response and provide a more clear understanding of the spectrum of estrogen action, which will facilitate the development of novel pharmaceuticals for the treatment of estrogen-associated pathologies.