What is the Origin of Steroid Hormone Receptor Binding?

This core concept is derived from molecular endocrinology, established through the discovery of intracellular receptors for lipid-soluble hormones, differentiating their signaling pathway from that of peptide hormones which bind to surface receptors. It is the fundamental mechanism of steroid action.

What is the Mechanism of Steroid Hormone Receptor Binding?

Upon binding to the steroid hormone, the receptor undergoes a conformational change, which allows the hormone-receptor complex to translocate into the nucleus, if it was initially cytoplasmic. Once in the nucleus, the complex binds directly to specific DNA sequences known as Hormone Response Elements (HREs), altering the transcription rate of target genes and thereby regulating the synthesis of specific proteins that mediate the hormone's systemic effects.

Steroid Hormone Receptor Binding ∞ Area

Steroid Hormone Receptor Binding

Meaning

The molecular interaction where steroid hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol, cross the cell membrane and physically attach to specific intracellular receptor proteins located in the cytoplasm or nucleus of target cells. This binding event is the essential first step in initiating the hormone’s biological effect through genomic action.