Date: February 26
Time: 11 a.m. - noon (Central time)

Estrogen signaling is involved in metabolism, cognition, vascular health, cell regulation, and malignancy. The complex physiological and pathophysiological roles of estrogen signaling will be explored by overviewing estrogen receptor types, receptor ligands, and crosstalk. The three main estrogen receptors: ERα, ERβ, and G-protein-coupled ER 1 (GPER1) differ in their cellular location, tissue distribution, ligand binding affinities, and effects. Estrogen-related signaling occurs via slow genomic activation effects and rapid non-genomic pathways. Estrogen signaling is bidirectionally associated with genomic instability, cellular proliferation, repair, and metabolism. Different estrogen receptor ligands, including estradiol, xenoestrogens, and phytoestrogens vary in their estrogen receptor affinities and, therefore, downstream effects. Furthermore, local estrogen production via aromatization and sulfation is modifiable by tissue oxidation, thereby impacting estradiol availability. Ultimately, the discussion of these topics will illuminate the oncology indications and limitations of anti-estrogen therapy, the use of plant-based phytoestrogens and the role of tissue inflammation in estrogen signaling.