Endocrine disruptor actions through receptor crosstalk

Endocrine disruptors interfere with hormonal action through receptors and signaling pathways, but receptor crosstalk involved in the actions of endocrine disruptors has not yet been well documented. This review summarizes what is known about the actions of endocrine disruptors through receptor crosstalk, focusing on three model cases: crosstalk involving the estrogen receptor, the androgen receptor, and the thyroid hormone receptor. Here, crosstalk is categorized as bidirectional or unidirectional, with the latter category further subdivided into ligand-dependent or -independent crosstalk. More research needs to be done to develop a clearer understanding of the involvement of receptor crosstalk in cell signaling that is induced by endocrine disruptors. This understanding will help to develop in vitro and in silico assays that can replace animal tests.