Tumor necrosis factor-α activates estrogen signaling pathways in endometrial epithelial cells via estrogen receptor α

► In this study we examined the effect of TNF-α on estrogen receptor signaling. ► TNF-α activates ER signaling in endometrial epithelial cells. ► This involves activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway. ► TNF-α mediates this effect specifically via estrogen receptor alpha.