NUCLEAR RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A nuclear receptor is a type of protein found within the nucleus of cells that is involved in regulating gene expression and cellular functions in response to various signaling molecules. These receptors belong to a larger family of transcription factors, which are proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences, initiating or suppressing the transcription of genes.
Nuclear receptors are named as such because they can be activated by binding to specific molecules that are derived from lipids or hormones, such as steroids, thyroid hormones, or retinoic acid. Once activated, the nuclear receptor undergoes a conformational change, allowing it to bind to specific DNA sequences called hormone response elements (HREs) located within the promoter regions of target genes. This binding then leads to the recruitment of other proteins and regulatory factors, ultimately modulating the expression of these genes.
As a result, nuclear receptors play critical roles in a wide range of physiological processes, including development, reproduction, metabolism, and immune response. They act as key regulators of various biological pathways, including lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and cell growth, making them important therapeutic targets for many diseases, including cancers, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
In summary, nuclear receptors are proteins found in the nucleus of cells that act as transcription factors and are involved in regulating gene expression and various cellular functions in response to specific molecules. They play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis and are implicated in diverse physiological processes, making them essential for overall cell and organismal function.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEAR RECEPTOR
- buclear receptor
- muclear receptor
- juclear receptor
- huclear receptor
- nyclear receptor
- nhclear receptor
- njclear receptor
- niclear receptor
- n8clear receptor
- n7clear receptor
- nuxlear receptor
- nuvlear receptor
- nuflear receptor
- nudlear receptor
- nuckear receptor
- nucpear receptor
- nucoear receptor
- nuclwar receptor
- nuclsar receptor
- nucldar receptor
Etymology of NUCLEAR RECEPTOR
The term "nuclear receptor" originated from the discovery that certain molecules in the nucleus of cells can interact with hormones, leading to changes in gene expression. The word "nuclear" refers to the nucleus of the cell, while "receptor" refers to a molecule that can recognize and bind to specific molecules (ligands) and trigger a biological response.
The concept of nuclear receptors was first proposed in the early 1960s by American biologist Elwood Jensen, who discovered the estrogen receptor. During his research, Jensen observed that certain compounds, such as estrogen, interacted with the cell nucleus. Subsequent studies revealed that these interactions involved specific proteins within the nucleus that could recognize and bind to the hormone molecules.
As research progressed, it became clear that these nuclear proteins acted as receptors, mediating the effects of various hormones on gene expression.
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