Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a transcription factor activated by estrogenic hormones to regulate gene expression in certain organs, including the brain. In the brain, estrogen signaling pathways are central for maintaining cognitive functions. Herein, we review the neuroprotective effects of estrogens mediated by ERα. The estrogen/ERα pathways are affected by the reduction of estrogens in menopause, and this event may be a risk factor for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease in women. Thus, developing a better understanding of estrogen/ERα signaling may be critical for defining new biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease in women.
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Acknowledgments
We thank Alfonso Ramos Flores for his technical support.
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This work is supported by the Research Projects of the College of Science and Technology, from the Autonomous University of Mexico City (UACM), with folio CCYT-2022-08.
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Tecalco-Cruz, A.C., López-Canovas, L. & Azuara-Liceaga, E. Estrogen signaling via estrogen receptor alpha and its implications for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer’s disease in aging women. Metab Brain Dis 38, 783–793 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-023-01161-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11011-023-01161-2