Intracellular receptors are a class of protein receptors situated inside the cell, either freely in the cytoplasm or bound within the nucleus, that specifically bind to lipid-soluble signaling molecules. These receptors are the primary mediators of the biological actions of steroid hormones, thyroid hormones, and Vitamin D. Their activation is the fundamental molecular mechanism by which these lipophilic hormones exert their profound, long-term effects on gene expression and cellular function.
Origin
The discovery of these internal receptors was a pivotal moment in modern endocrinology, explaining how lipid-soluble hormones could traverse the cell membrane to influence nuclear processes. The term is descriptive, combining ‘intra’ (inside) and ‘cellular’ (the cell) with ‘receptors’ (the binding proteins). This receptor class defines the mechanism of action for all steroid and thyroid hormones.
Mechanism
The lipophilic nature of steroid hormones allows them to passively diffuse across the cell membrane and into the cell interior. Once inside, the hormone binds to its specific intracellular receptor, which induces a critical conformational change in the receptor protein. This activated hormone-receptor complex then translocates to the nucleus and binds directly to specific DNA sequences, known as hormone response elements (HREs), initiating or repressing the transcription of target genes and thus altering the cell’s protein synthesis profile.
The first step to check testosterone involves recognizing symptoms and confirming with precise morning blood tests, including total and free testosterone.
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