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Ligand-Dependent Transcription

Meaning

Ligand-dependent transcription is a fundamental molecular process in endocrinology where the binding of a specific hormone, or ligand, to its intracellular nuclear receptor is an absolute requirement to initiate or repress the transcription of target genes. This specific mechanism is characteristic of lipid-soluble hormones, including all steroid hormones, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D, which can readily cross the cell membrane to directly influence the genetic machinery. It represents the ultimate, nuclear-level action of many key endocrine signals on cellular function.