ESR2 and endometriosis: On the other hand, ER knockdown in 12Z cells (12Z/shERβ) decreased the expression of ERβ and its target genes to levels that were similar to that of the HEEC/CTL group, and interestingly, BA treatment (12Z/BA) mimicked the effect of shERβ and normalized endometriosis (12Z cells)-mediated increased expression of ERβ and its target genes (see Figure 2A).