Proteins Accompanying the Estrogen Receptor α and β: A Model for Studying Protein Hetero-Complexes

Abstract

Estrogen receptor α forms a highly dynamic protein complex in its activated and inactivated state. The protein is complexed with heat shock proteins and other accompanying proteins. Upon ligand binding these proteins are shed off, the receptor dimerizes and forms a preinitiation complex with coactivators and/or corepressors. A plethora of proteins has been discovered, associated with this complex. These different proteins may either up- or down-regulate estrogen receptor-mediated transcription of target genes. Real time-biosensor technology is one approach to assessing these extremely dynamic protein complex formations.

Key Words:

• Estrogen
• Immunophilins
• Ligand
• Hetero-complexes