Glükokortikoidiretseptorid

Glükokortikoidiretseptorid, also known as GR or GCR, are intracellular protein receptors that belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily. These receptors are activated by glucocorticoids, a class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands, such as cortisol. Glucocorticoids play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and stress adaptation.

Upon binding to their ligand, glucocorticoids, the glükokortikoidiretseptor undergoes a conformational change. This activation typically leads to the translocation of the receptor-ligand complex from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In the nucleus, the activated receptor can then interact with specific DNA sequences, known as glucocorticoid response elements (GREs), located in the promoter regions of target genes. This interaction can either enhance (transactivation) or repress (transrepression) the transcription of these genes, thereby modulating their expression.

The effects of glükokortikoidiretseptor activation are widespread and diverse. They include regulation of glucose metabolism, suppression of inflammation and immune responses, and influence on mood and behavior. Dysfunction or altered expression of glükokortikoidiretseptorid has been implicated in various diseases, including metabolic disorders like Cushing's syndrome, inflammatory conditions, and psychiatric disorders. Therapeutic interventions targeting the glükokortikoidiretseptor pathway, such as the use of synthetic glucocorticoids, are common in treating a range of ailments.