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Receptor Promiscuity

Meaning

Receptor promiscuity is a phenomenon in molecular endocrinology where a specific cell surface or intracellular receptor is capable of binding and being activated by multiple, structurally similar, yet distinct ligands or hormones. This lack of absolute specificity means that a single receptor can mediate the effects of several different signaling molecules, often leading to overlapping or unexpected biological responses. Clinically, this concept is critical for understanding the side effects and cross-reactivity of certain drugs and the complex interplay between steroid hormones like androgens, estrogens, and progestins at shared receptor sites. It represents a functional blurring of the typical lock-and-key signaling model.