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Steroid Receptors

Meaning

Steroid receptors are a class of intracellular proteins that function as ligand-activated transcription factors, mediating the actions of steroid hormones like cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and vitamin D. These receptors reside either in the cytoplasm or the nucleus of target cells, awaiting their specific hormonal ligand. Upon binding to the hormone, the receptor undergoes a conformational change, allowing it to regulate the transcription of specific genes. Their presence and functional status determine a tissue’s sensitivity and responsiveness to circulating steroid hormones, making them central to endocrinology and therapeutic targeting.