Estrogen Receptor
Estrogen Receptor (gene symbol ESR2, also called oestrogen receptor beta, ER-beta, NR3A2 or Erb) is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor and transcription factor. On binding 17beta-estradiol or related ligands, it dimerises and binds specific DNA sequences to activate transcription. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Estrogen Receptor research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
Estrogen Receptor beta is a member of the oestrogen receptor family and of the wider superfamily of nuclear receptor transcription factors. Upon binding 17beta-estradiol or related ligands, the protein forms homodimers or heterodimers that interact with specific DNA sequences to activate transcription. Some isoforms dominantly inhibit the activity of other oestrogen receptor family members, so the activity of this receptor depends on which forms are present as well as on ligand.
The protein contains an N-terminal DNA binding domain and a C-terminal ligand binding domain. It is localised to the nucleus, cytoplasm and mitochondria, and UniProt lists its primary subcellular location as the nucleus. It belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family, NR3 subfamily. The ESR2 gene is the human gene for this receptor, and orthologous genes named Esr2 are found in mouse and rat, which allows comparative work across common model organisms.
Several alternatively spliced transcript variants of the ESR2 gene have been described, although the full-length nature of some of them has not been fully characterised. UniProt notes that at least one annotated form lacks ligand binding ability and has no or only very low ERE binding activity. This results in loss of ligand-dependent transactivation. Researchers studying Estrogen Receptor beta therefore need to consider isoform identity when they interpret results.
HGNC classifies the gene in the oestrogen receptors group under the approved name oestrogen receptor 2, previously written as oestrogen receptor 2 (ER beta). Aliases in use include NR3A2, Erb and ER-beta. The name Estrogen Receptor is often used generally, so it helps to confirm whether a study refers to the beta form encoded by ESR2.
Estrogen Receptor beta is a ligand-activated transcription factor of the NR3 subfamily, making it a model for studying hormone-dependent gene regulation.
The receptor binds specific DNA sequences as homo- or heterodimers to activate transcription, which supports work on oestrogen-responsive gene control.
Splice variants differ in ligand binding and DNA binding, and some dominantly inhibit other oestrogen receptors, so isoform-specific activity is an active research question.
The protein is reported in the nucleus, cytoplasm and mitochondria, which makes it relevant to studies of receptor distribution and compartment-specific roles.
Estrogen Receptor beta is a nuclear receptor transcription factor. After binding 17beta-estradiol or related ligands, it forms homo- or heterodimers that interact with specific DNA sequences to activate transcription. Some isoforms instead dominantly inhibit the activity of other oestrogen receptor family members.
ESR2 is also known as oestrogen receptor beta, ER-beta, NR3A2 and Erb, and was previously named oestrogen receptor 2 (ER beta). Several alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described, though the full-length nature of some has not been fully characterised.
Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene named Esr2, so the receptor can be studied in common rodent models. Cross-reactivity differs between reagents, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Estrogen-related receptors and other nuclear receptor targets that are relevant to hormone-responsive transcription.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q92731; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.