abstract |
An in vitro screening method for identifying a compound that modulates ERβ-mediated cell growth inhibition is disclosed. The method includes: providing a mammalian test cell containing a functional ERβ protein; contacting the test cell with a candidate compound; and detecting an increase or decrease in the expression of an ERβ-regulated gene in the presence of the candidate compound. Compounds that modulate ERβ-mediated cell growth inhibition can promote or inhibit this process. In some embodiments, the test cell contains no detectable ERα protein. The ERβ-regulated gene can be, e.g., the genes encoding receptor-like tyrosine kinase (RYK), 5-hydroxytryptamine A1 receptor (E2c), BCL-2 related A1, embryonic growth/differentiation factor, IL-12, TL1309, or IFN-α/β receptor. |