Estrogen dependent signaling in reproductive tissues - A role for estrogen receptors and estrogen related receptors

► Estrogens regulate the reproductive and cardiovascular systems, the skeleton and the brain. ► Estrogen receptor (ERα, β) genes are subject to alternative splicing. ► Ratios of ER subtypes/variants in cells determines the impact of estrogens on tissue function. ► ERα, β, and ERβ variants, have unique patterns of expression in reproductive tissues. ► Estrogen related receptors (α, β, γ) may play a role in regulation of cell metabolism.