Oxidized glutathione (GSSG), Hydrogen acceptor

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The Estrogen Receptor (ER) and Androgen Receptor (AR) are nuclear hormone receptors that function as transcription factors regulating gene expression. ER often called NR3A1 and AR also known as NR3C4 share structural similarities as they belong to the steroid receptor family. These receptors have notable molecular masses with ER weighing approximately 66 kDa and AR around 110 kDa. The expression of both ER and AR occurs in various tissues with ER being highly expressed in breast and uterine tissue while AR is found abundantly in the prostate and muscular tissue.

Biological function summary

These receptors play important roles in development and maintenance of sexual characteristics with ER modulating estrogen-responsive genes while AR regulates genes responsive to androgens. They function typically as dimers and can form complexes with co-regulators that modulate their transcription activities. The receptors interact with specific DNA sequences known as hormone response elements (HREs) to influence transcription of target genes playing essential roles in reproductive and non-reproductive systems.

Pathways

The Estrogen Receptor and Androgen Receptor are key components in the steroid hormone signaling pathway and are part of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Both have integral connections with proteins such as co-activators and co-repressors which help modulate their gene regulatory functions. Their activity influences cellular processes such as proliferation differentiation and survival. The signaling pathways also help in mediating the conversion of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to its reduced form GSH affecting glutathione structure and function.

Abnormal function or expression of Estrogen Receptor and Androgen Receptor correlates with conditions like breast cancer and prostate cancer respectively. Altered receptor signaling connects them to various oncogenic pathways influencing disease progression. Interactions with proteins like HER2 in breast cancer or PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in prostate cancer further elucidate receptor roles in these disorders where imbalances in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) also play a role in disease pathology.