Histone

Gene

Cell biology

Histone-modifying enzymes

Biology

Pioneer factor

Enhancer

Epigenetics

Chromatin remodeling

Regulation of gene expression

DNA demethylation

DNA methylation

Epigenomics

Estrogen receptor

Histone code

Genetics

Chromatin

Epigenetics of physical exercise

Transcription factor

Breast cancer

Nucleosome

Cancer

Gene expression

International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Gonadal hormone 17β-estradiol (E2) and its receptors are key regulators of gene transcription by binding to estrogen responsive elements in the genome. Besides the classical genomic action, E2 regulates gene transcription via the modification of epigenetic marks on DNA and histone proteins. Depending on the reaction partner, liganded estrogen receptor (ER) promotes DNA methylation at the promoter or enhancer regions. In addition, ERs are important regulators of passive and active DNA demethylation. Furthermore, ERs cooperating with different histone modifying enzymes and chromatin remodeling complexes alter gene transcription. In this review, we survey the basic mechanisms and interactions between estrogen receptors and DNA methylation, demethylation and histone modification processes as well as chromatin remodeling complexes. The particular relevance of these mechanisms to physiological processes in memory formation, embryonic development, spermatogenesis and aging as well as in pathophysiological changes in carcinogenesis is also discussed.

Estradiol-Induced Epigenetically Mediated Mechanisms and Regulation of Gene Expression