The gonadal steroid 17ß-estradiol (E2) is a potent molecule with a broad spectrum of biological actions from fertility to neuroprotection. Studies during the last decades have provided an ample amount of data to extend our understanding of its effects but several questions remain to be elucidated. According to the classic paradigm, the cellular effects of E2 occur slowly: upon ligand binding cytoplasmic estrogen receptors (ERs) are translocated to the nucleus and regulate expression of target genes by binding to DNA sequences within hours or days. Besides its classical action, E2 also exerts rapid, non-classical effects in different types of cells including neurons. In response to their ligands, membrane-bound estrogen receptors (ERs) are activated and act indirectly on gene transcription by rapidly altering the properties of the membrane, the function of ion channels and the activity of various signal transduction cascades.
In the current research article collection, we aim to discuss and provide further data on how E2 modulates the activity of neural circuits throughout the brain regulating fertility and neuroprotection. Nevertheless, E2 is a controversial molecule; it can serve as a double-edged sword since it has the potential to have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on specific tissues. Non-classical actions of E2 in the brain are associated with advantageous effects, hence it is critical to explore further these mechanisms. This special issue will be dedicated to the memory of Professor István M. Ábrahám, who was a leading scientist in the research field of regulation of GnRH neurons, the central regulators of fertility and the non-classical E2 actions. Therefore, the articles will have special focus on the regulation of fertility and the molecular mechanisms of the non-classical effects of E2 modulating intracellular signaling pathways, receptor movements at the plasma membrane as well as the cellular entry of E2.
• Impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle
• Regulation of GnRH neuron function and fertility
• Transmembrane movement of E2
• The influence of E2 on membrane receptor dynamics
• E2 as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases
• The behavioral aspects of E2 in Alzheimer’s disease
• Non-classical effects of E2 in cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons
The gonadal steroid 17ß-estradiol (E2) is a potent molecule with a broad spectrum of biological actions from fertility to neuroprotection. Studies during the last decades have provided an ample amount of data to extend our understanding of its effects but several questions remain to be elucidated. According to the classic paradigm, the cellular effects of E2 occur slowly: upon ligand binding cytoplasmic estrogen receptors (ERs) are translocated to the nucleus and regulate expression of target genes by binding to DNA sequences within hours or days. Besides its classical action, E2 also exerts rapid, non-classical effects in different types of cells including neurons. In response to their ligands, membrane-bound estrogen receptors (ERs) are activated and act indirectly on gene transcription by rapidly altering the properties of the membrane, the function of ion channels and the activity of various signal transduction cascades.
In the current research article collection, we aim to discuss and provide further data on how E2 modulates the activity of neural circuits throughout the brain regulating fertility and neuroprotection. Nevertheless, E2 is a controversial molecule; it can serve as a double-edged sword since it has the potential to have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on specific tissues. Non-classical actions of E2 in the brain are associated with advantageous effects, hence it is critical to explore further these mechanisms. This special issue will be dedicated to the memory of Professor István M. Ábrahám, who was a leading scientist in the research field of regulation of GnRH neurons, the central regulators of fertility and the non-classical E2 actions. Therefore, the articles will have special focus on the regulation of fertility and the molecular mechanisms of the non-classical effects of E2 modulating intracellular signaling pathways, receptor movements at the plasma membrane as well as the cellular entry of E2.
• Impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the menstrual cycle
• Regulation of GnRH neuron function and fertility
• Transmembrane movement of E2
• The influence of E2 on membrane receptor dynamics
• E2 as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases
• The behavioral aspects of E2 in Alzheimer’s disease
• Non-classical effects of E2 in cholinergic and dopaminergic neurons