Skip to main content

Glucocorticoid Receptor Plasticity

Meaning

Glucocorticoid Receptor Plasticity refers to the capacity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR), the intracellular protein that mediates the effects of the stress hormone cortisol, to dynamically alter its expression levels, subcellular location, binding affinity, and subsequent downstream signaling responses in target cells. This adaptive capability allows the body to fine-tune its response to varying intensities and durations of stress and glucocorticoid exposure, which is crucial for maintaining physiological equilibrium. Changes in GR plasticity are central to understanding the pathology of chronic stress-related hormonal dysfunction and treatment resistance.