Abstract
Estrogen is essential for folliculogenesis with independent roles attributed to each
of the two estrogen receptors (ERs). ERβ, expressed predominantly by the ovarian granulosa
cells, is required for antrum formation, preovulatory follicle maturation, expression
of genes involved in ovarian differentiation (luteinizing hormone, aromatase, etc.),
and follicle rupture during ovulation. Ovulatory dysfunction is associated with polymorphisms
of the ERβ gene, and endocrine disruptors that selectively activate ERβ cause reproductive
dysfunction and impairment fertility. ERβ may also exhibit antitumorigenic properties,
with a decline in ERβ levels in epithelial ovarian cancers associated with more severe
disease and poor prognosis. In this review, we examine the models that have been used
to elucidate the roles ERβ plays in the ovary and consider the clinical consequences
of altered ERβ expression or inappropriate activation of ERβ signaling.
Keywords
ovary - estrogen - estrogen receptor - cancer - environmental estrogens
