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GR-β Isoform

Meaning

The GR-β Isoform, or Glucocorticoid Receptor beta, is an alternative splice variant of the glucocorticoid receptor that is structurally distinct from the classic GR-α isoform due to a unique C-terminal sequence. Critically, this isoform is generally considered unable to bind endogenous glucocorticoids like cortisol, positioning it as a natural, dominant-negative regulator of the classical glucocorticoid signaling pathway. While less abundant than GR-α, its expression is upregulated by inflammatory stimuli and is often associated with clinical glucocorticoid resistance.