ESR1 and breast cancer: Whereas these receptors have overlapping responsibilities, they also have distinct roles in different tissue and cell types.(12) In human osteoblasts where both estrogen receptors are present, genes regulated by estrogen through ERα and/or ERβ show commonalities, but also significant differences.(13) Chronic EtOH ingestion in humans and rats induce an increase in ER expression in liver and breast.(14,15) EtOH-induced increases in mammary ER expression may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.