Genetic variations within the ERE motif modulate plasticity and energetics of binding of DNA to the ERα nuclear receptor

► ERα binds to ERE variants in the physiologically relevant nM-μ M range. ► Binding energetics are largely favored by enthalpic forces. ► ERE variants obey the enthalpy-entropy compensation phenomenon. ► ERα displays no preference for binding to ERE variants with higher A/T content.