Neuroglobin, a neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic protein, has been recently identified as a mediator of estrogenic neuroprotective actions. Estradiol induces expression of this globin in human neuroblastoma cells and in primary cultures of mouse hippocampal neurons through mechanisms involving ERb [29]. Silencing of neuroglobin results in loss of the neuroprotective action that estradiol exerts against oxidative stress [29]. Further studies are necessary to determine the role of neuroglobin in the neuroprotective actions of estradiol in different in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases. One possibility is that neuroglobin could be involved in estradiol-dependent neuroprotective effects by decreasing mitochondrial dysfunction caused by oxidative damage. Indeed, regulation of mitochondrial function and metabolism has emerged as one of the key actions exerted by estradiol to promote neuronal viability. The effect of estradiol on mitochondria involves direct actions on the mitochondrial genome, as well as regulation of nuclear transcriptional activity and modulation of membrane and cytoplasmic signaling [30].