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Intracellular Receptors

Meaning

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.