1
|
Żabińska M, Wiśniewska K, Węgrzyn G, Pierzynowska K. Exploring the physiological role of the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) and its associations with human diseases. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107070. [PMID: 38733757 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen is a group of hormones that collaborate with the nervous system to impact the overall well-being of all genders. It influences many processes, including those occurring in the central nervous system, affecting learning and memory, and playing roles in neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders. The hormone's action is mediated by specific receptors. Significant roles of classical estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, in various diseases were known since many years, but after identifying a structurally and locationally distinct receptor, the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), its role in human physiology and pathophysiology was investigated. This review compiles GPER-related information, highlighting its impact on homeostasis and diseases, while putting special attention on functions and dysfunctions of this receptor in neurobiology and biobehavioral processes. Understanding the receptor modulation possibilities is essential for therapy, as disruptions in receptors can lead to diseases or disorders, irrespective of correct estrogen levels. We conclude that studies on the GPER receptor have the potential to develop therapies that regulate estrogen and positively impact human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Żabińska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Wiśniewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Karolina Pierzynowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Palamarchuk IS, Slavich GM, Vaillancourt T, Rajji TK. Stress-related cellular pathophysiology as a crosstalk risk factor for neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:65. [PMID: 38087196 PMCID: PMC10714507 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we examine biological processes linking psychological stress and cognition, with a focus on how psychological stress can activate multiple neurobiological mechanisms that drive cognitive decline and behavioral change. First, we describe the general neurobiology of the stress response to define neurocognitive stress reactivity. Second, we review aspects of epigenetic regulation, synaptic transmission, sex hormones, photoperiodic plasticity, and psychoneuroimmunological processes that can contribute to cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric conditions. Third, we explain mechanistic processes linking the stress response and neuropathology. Fourth, we discuss molecular nuances such as an interplay between kinases and proteins, as well as differential role of sex hormones, that can increase vulnerability to cognitive and emotional dysregulation following stress. Finally, we explicate several testable hypotheses for stress, neurocognitive, and neuropsychiatric research. Together, this work highlights how stress processes alter neurophysiology on multiple levels to increase individuals' risk for neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders, and points toward novel therapeutic targets for mitigating these effects. The resulting models can thus advance dementia and mental health research, and translational neuroscience, with an eye toward clinical application in cognitive and behavioral neurology, and psychiatry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iryna S Palamarchuk
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Neurology, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - George M Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|