Oestrogen has a positive impact on glucose homeostasis in both males and females, mainly through its actions on oestrogen receptor α (ERα). In cells, ERα is present both in the nucleus and at the level of the membrane, but the contributions of the different pools of ERα to glucose homeostasis were unknown.

Thus, Allard et al. studied both male and female mice expressing either the membrane or the nuclear pool of ERα to determine their contribution to glucose homeostasis, insulin action and insulin secretion. Findings suggest that nuclear ERα plays a dominant role in the metabolic actions of oestrogen.

Interestingly, the authors found sex differences in the mechanism of action; in females, nuclear ERα impacts on central insulin action and the modulation of hepatic glucose production. In contrast, in males, its actions are related to the central response to glucose as well as neural control of insulin secretion.

This study provides further support for the importance of developing sex-specific therapies in diabetes.

Read the full article in Diabetes doi:10.2337/db18-0293