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Progesterone Receptors

Meaning

Intracellular proteins found in target tissues, such as the uterus, breast, brain, and bone, that bind specifically to the steroid hormone progesterone, initiating a cascade of gene expression changes. These receptors exist in two main isoforms, PR-A and PR-B, which are encoded by the same gene but have distinct regulatory functions. The presence and concentration of progesterone receptors are essential for mediating the diverse physiological effects of progesterone, including maintaining pregnancy, regulating the menstrual cycle, and influencing neuroprotection. Clinical context often involves assessing receptor status in hormone-sensitive tissues.