Modulation of androgen-responsive gene expression by estrogen

Abstract Studies on hormonal action frequently focus on a single hormone. In intact animals, however, genes may respond to the balance of multiple hormones. Therefore, we have studied the mutual influence of sex steroids on eight genes previously known to be testosterone-responsive in kidneys of mice. A variety of responses to estrogen were recorded. Effects occurred primarily at the transcriptional level although in several cases there was also evidence of decreased mRNA stability. Estrogen did not affect the nuclear location of the androgen receptor. Apparently each gene interacts with both androgen-receptor complex and estrogen-receptor complex, and the ultimate outcome depends on each gene's detailed regulatory structure.