Estradiol - Mechanism of Action

Mechanism of Action

Estradiol enters cells freely and interacts with a cytoplasmic target cell receptor. After the estrogen receptor has bound its ligand, estradiol can enter the nucleus of the target cell, and regulate gene transcription, which leads to formation of messenger RNA. The mRNA interacts with ribosomes to produce specific proteins that express the effect of estradiol upon the target cell.

Estradiol binds well to both estrogen receptors, ERα, and ERβ, in contrast to certain other estrogens, notably medications that preferentially act on one of these receptors. These medications are called selective estrogen receptor modulators, or SERMs.

Estradiol is the most potent naturally occurring estrogen.

Read more about this topic:  Estradiol

Famous quotes containing the words mechanism of, mechanism and/or action:

    Life is an offensive, directed against the repetitious mechanism of the Universe.
    Alfred North Whitehead (1861–1947)

    I’ve never known a Philadelphian who wasn’t a downright “character;” possibly a defense mechanism resulting from the dullness of their native habitat.
    Anita Loos (1888–1981)

    The Oriental philosophy approaches easily loftier themes than the modern aspires to; and no wonder if it sometimes prattle about them. It only assigns their due rank respectively to Action and Contemplation, or rather does full justice to the latter. Western philosophers have not conceived of the significance of Contemplation in their sense.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)