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Progesterone Receptor Gene (PGR)

Meaning

The Progesterone Receptor Gene, or PGR, is the genetic locus responsible for encoding the intracellular receptor protein that mediates the biological actions of the steroid hormone progesterone. This nuclear receptor acts as a ligand-activated transcription factor, meaning it must bind to progesterone before it can regulate the expression of target genes. The PGR gene is crucial in reproductive tissues, bone, brain, and breast, and its expression is often regulated by estrogen, demonstrating a key interaction between the sex hormones. Genetic variations in PGR can influence an individual’s response to both endogenous progesterone and exogenous progestin therapies.