Estrogen signaling via estrogen receptor β

Estrogens act by binding to and activating two estrogen receptors (ERs), ERα and ERβ. Transcriptional regulation by ERs is controlled by a complex array of factors such as ER-ligand binding, the DNA sequence bound by ERs, ER-interacting cofactors, and chromatin context. This minireview will provide an overview of the most recent advances in the identification of ERβ-regulated target gene networks and ERβ DNA-binding sites. We also highlight the recent work establishing new roles of ERβ signaling, including protective functions in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and in atherosclerosis, as well as regulation of cell proliferation in the colon.