Estrogen-related receptor alpha

Estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα), also known as NR3B1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group B, member 1), is a nuclear receptor that in humans is encoded by the ESRRA gene. ERRα is an orphan receptor because it binds to DNA sequences, but does not bind to any known natural ligand.

Function

ERRα is a member of the nuclear receptor family of intracellular transcription factors. It is involved in the regulation of many aspects of cellular metabolism and energy production. ERRα has been shown to influence the expression of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and the electron transport chain.

Clinical significance

Alterations in ERRα expression have been associated with several human diseases, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and osteoporosis. In breast cancer, ERRα has been shown to promote tumor growth and metastasis. In endometrial cancer, high levels of ERRα are associated with poor prognosis. In osteoporosis, ERRα has been implicated in the regulation of bone mass.

Interactions

ERRα has been shown to interact with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), a transcriptional coactivator that regulates genes involved in energy metabolism.

See also

• Estrogen receptor
• Nuclear receptor