Natural Estrogen Receptor Modulators and Their Heterologous Biosynthesis.

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are transcription factors highly involved in physiological development and metabolism in the human body. They also play important roles in the treatment of cancer and metabolic diseases. Chemicals that interact with ERs can be used to treat diseases and maintain health. Phytoestrogens are natural chemicals that have been documented to possess significant ER modulatory activities. However, since phytoestrogens usually exist at low quantities in nature, heterologous biosynthesis techniques have quickly developed in recent years in order meet the demands for needed therapeutic amounts. In this review, the performance of phytoestrogens as ER modulators is described along with recent advances in biosynthesis techniques. Highlights ERs are highly involved in physiological development and metabolism. They play important roles in actions of immunomodulation and neuroprotection. Phytoestrogens are effective for maintaining health and treating diseases through regulation of ER signaling pathway. Heterologous biosynthesis is a promising technique for phytoestrogens production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]