STEROIDS RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
-
Steroid receptors are specialized proteins that are found inside cells and are involved in the cellular response to steroid hormones. Steroid hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, are signaling molecules that regulate various physiological processes in the body.
Steroid receptors belong to a class of proteins called transcription factors, which regulate gene expression. When a steroid hormone enters a cell, it binds to its specific receptor, leading to the formation of a hormone-receptor complex. This complex then translocates to the nucleus of the cell and binds to specific regions of DNA called hormone response elements (HREs) on target genes.
Binding of the hormone-receptor complex to HREs leads to the activation or suppression of gene expression, depending on the specific receptor and target gene involved. This process ultimately results in the production of specific proteins that mediate the cellular response to the steroid hormone.
Steroid receptors are crucial in regulating a wide range of physiological processes, including development, reproduction, metabolism, and immune function. Dysregulation of steroid receptors can contribute to various diseases, such as hormone-dependent cancers and disorders of the endocrine system.
The study of steroid receptors and their function has led to significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of hormone-related diseases. Manipulating steroid receptors, either by administering hormone analogs or developing drugs that target these receptors, has become an important therapeutic strategy in fields such as oncology, reproductive medicine, and endocrinology.
Common Misspellings for STEROIDS RECEPTORS
- ateroids receptors
- zteroids receptors
- xteroids receptors
- dteroids receptors
- eteroids receptors
- wteroids receptors
- sreroids receptors
- sferoids receptors
- sgeroids receptors
- syeroids receptors
- s6eroids receptors
- s5eroids receptors
- stwroids receptors
- stsroids receptors
- stdroids receptors
- strroids receptors
- st4roids receptors
- st3roids receptors
- steeoids receptors
- stedoids receptors
Etymology of STEROIDS RECEPTORS
The term "steroid receptors" consists of two parts: "steroid" and "receptors".
- Steroid: The word "steroid" comes from the Greek word "stērós" meaning "solid" or "stiff". It was originally used to describe a group of naturally occurring hormones characterized by a specific molecular structure.
- Receptors: The word "receptor" derives from the Latin word "receptus", the past participle of "recipere", which means "to take back" or "receive". In biology, a receptor refers to a specific protein or molecule that binds to a hormone, drug, or other molecule, initiating a physiological response.
When combined, "steroid receptors" refers to the specific proteins or molecules in the body that allow steroids to bind and act upon a target tissue, initiating various biological effects.
