Nuclear Receptors and Hormone Regulation

Study Notes

Nuclear Receptors Overview

Nuclear receptors primarily function as transcription factors that regulate gene expression in response to various ligands.
They play key roles in metabolism, development, and homeostasis.

Steroid Receptor Family

Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) is not part of the steroid receptor family.
Steroid receptors generally include glucocorticoid receptor, androgen receptor, progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor.

DNA Binding Domain

The DNA binding domain in nuclear receptors is responsible for recognizing and binding to specific DNA sequences in target genes.
This domain facilitates the regulation of gene expression by allowing nuclear receptors to interact with the promoter regions of genes.

Xenobiotic Response

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is primarily responsible for responding to xenobiotics.
Xenobiotics are foreign substances that can be harmful, such as pollutants and drugs; AhR modulates detoxification processes.

C-Terminus Function

The C-terminus or ligand-binding domain in nuclear receptors is crucial for binding to specific ligands, such as hormones.
This binding is essential for the conformational change necessary for effective transcriptional regulation.

Distinct Domains in Nuclear Receptors

Nuclear receptors typically possess four distinct domains:
- A/B region (AF-1), C region (DBD), D region (hinge region), and E/F region (LBD).
Each domain has specialized roles, such as transactivation, DNA binding, and ligand binding.

Description

Learn about nuclear receptors, a class of soluble receptors that regulate gene transcription to induce biological effects. This quiz covers various types of receptors, including glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogen, and vitamin D, and their mechanisms of action.