glükokortikoidreceptor

The glucocorticoid receptor, often abbreviated as GR or GCR, is a protein that functions as a receptor for glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, such as cortisol. The receptor is a ligand-activated transcription factor, meaning it binds to glucocorticoid hormones and then regulates the transcription of specific genes.

The glucocorticoid receptor is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It exists in an inactive state in the cytoplasm, bound to a complex of heat shock proteins and other associated proteins. Upon binding of a glucocorticoid ligand, the receptor undergoes a conformational change, dissociates from its inhibitory proteins, and translocates into the nucleus.

In the nucleus, the activated glucocorticoid receptor can bind to specific DNA sequences called glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) in the promoter regions of target genes. This binding can either activate or repress gene transcription, depending on the specific gene and cellular context. The GR can also interact with other transcription factors, influencing their activity and thereby modulating gene expression indirectly.

Glucocorticoid receptors are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, inflammation, stress response, and development. Their widespread influence makes them critical targets for therapeutic interventions, particularly in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, where synthetic glucocorticoids are commonly used to suppress the immune system.