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Glucocorticoid Receptors

Meaning

Glucocorticoid Receptors are intracellular receptor proteins that serve as the primary mediators for the profound systemic effects of glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol. These receptors are widely distributed across nearly all cell types in the body, functioning as ligand-activated transcription factors that directly regulate the expression of a vast network of target genes. Their activation is a central component of the body’s stress response and is the target of all therapeutic corticosteroid medications.