Intracellular hormone receptors

Definition

Intracellular hormone receptors are protein molecules located inside the cell, typically within the cytoplasm or nucleus. They bind to specific hormones that can cross the cell membrane, initiating a cellular response by directly affecting gene expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. They primarily interact with lipid-soluble hormones like steroid and thyroid hormones.
2. Once bound to their ligand, these receptors often act as transcription factors to regulate gene expression.
3. The hormone-receptor complex can enter the nucleus and bind to DNA at specific sites called hormone response elements (HREs).
4. Intracellular receptors include glucocorticoid receptors, estrogen receptors, and thyroid hormone receptors.
5. The binding of a hormone to its intracellular receptor typically results in changes in cellular function, growth, and differentiation.

Review Questions

• What types of hormones typically bind to intracellular hormone receptors?
• Where are intracellular hormone receptors generally located within the cell?
• How do intracellular hormone receptors influence gene expression?

Related terms

Steroid Hormones: Lipid-soluble hormones derived from cholesterol that can pass through cell membranes to interact with intracellular receptors.

Transcription Factors: Proteins that help turn specific genes on or off by binding to nearby DNA.

Hormone Response Elements (HREs): Specific DNA sequences where hormone-receptor complexes bind to regulate transcription of adjacent genes.