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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
Steroid receptor action
Jan J Brosens1, Jennifer Tullet, Rana Varshochi
1Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Wolfson and Weston Research Centre for Family Health, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK. j.brosens@imperial.ac.uk
Abstract:
The ovarian hormones oestradiol and progesterone exert their actions on target cells predominantly through the binding and activation of the oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), respectively. These receptors are members of the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors and bind to the control regions (promoters) of specific genes, where they recruit co-activators or co-repressors and the transcriptional machinery necessary to elicit gene expression. The ability of a nuclear receptor to modulate gene transcription is further dependent on its interaction with other transcription factors, which in turn can be regulated by either distinct or multiple cytoplasmic signalling pathways. This chapter summarises the extraordinary diversity of factors involved in determining the cellular response to a hormonal signal and emphasises the role of ER and PR in regulating ovarian and uterine functions.
Insights
Ovarian hormones oestradiol and progesterone, via oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), regulate gene expression. Their actions involve complex interactions with co-activators, co-repressors, and signalling pathways, influencing ovarian and uterine functions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Ovarian hormones, oestradiol and progesterone, are critical regulators of reproductive functions.
- These hormones primarily act through specific nuclear receptors: oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR).
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying hormone action in target cells.
- To highlight the diversity of factors modulating cellular responses to hormonal signals.
- To emphasize the roles of ER and PR in ovarian and uterine physiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on nuclear receptor function and gene regulation.
- Analysis of the interaction between steroid hormone receptors and other transcription factors.
- Examination of cytoplasmic signalling pathways influencing receptor activity.
Main Results:
- Oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) are ligand-dependent transcription factors.
- Receptor activation involves binding to gene promoter regions and recruitment of co-regulators.
- Gene transcription modulation is influenced by interactions with other transcription factors and signalling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Cellular response to ovarian hormones is determined by a complex interplay of factors.
- Oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) play pivotal roles in regulating ovarian and uterine functions through intricate molecular mechanisms.
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