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Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes

S L Planey1, G Litwack

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, USA.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|December 19, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids induce lymphocyte apoptosis via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). This review explores GR's role in regulating genes essential for programmed cell death.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids are known to affect lymphocytes, but the precise mechanism of apoptosis induction remains unclear.
  • Evidence suggests DNA binding of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and gene regulation are crucial for this process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms of glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor.
  • To discuss the structure, function, and role of GR in initiating programmed cell death.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function.
  • Analysis of recent data on gene regulation in glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding to DNA and subsequent transcriptional changes are necessary for lymphocyte apoptosis.
  • The specific genes activated or repressed by GR that mediate apoptosis are still under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays a central role in mediating glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes.
  • Further research is needed to identify the specific target genes responsible for this apoptotic process.

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