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Glucocorticoid Response Elements

Meaning

Glucocorticoid Response Elements (GREs) are specific, short DNA sequences located within the regulatory regions of genes that are transcriptionally responsive to glucocorticoid hormones like cortisol. These elements serve as the essential binding sites for the activated Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) complex, thereby acting as a molecular switch to modulate the expression of adjacent target genes. GREs represent a critical juncture between the body’s systemic stress response and the genomic regulation of key physiological processes, including inflammation and glucose homeostasis.