The hormone estradiol-17-beta is a key reproductive hormone. However, it also contributes to the regulation of energy balance and body weight. As a result, estrogen deficiency following menopause is associated with an increased probability of obesity and increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A team of researchers, led by Jon Levine, at Northwestern University, Evanston, has now generated new insight into the mechanisms by which ER-alpha signaling maintains normal energy balance. Specifically, the team found that nonclassical ER-alpha signaling is key to the effects of estradiol-17-beta on energy balance. These data lead them to suggest that it might be possible to develop drugs that selectively activate nonclassical ER-alpha signaling to reduce the risks of obesity and metabolic disturbances in postmenopausal women.
TITLE: Genetic rescue of nonclassical ER-alpha signaling normalizes energy balance in obese Er-alpha-null mutant mice
AUTHOR CONTACT:
Jon E. Levine
Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA.
Phone: 847.491.7180; Fax: 847.491.5211; E-mail: jlevine@northwestern.edu .
View this article at: http://www.jci.org/articles/view/41702?key=e6c0c5e6b4574e440bcb
Journal of Clinical Investigation