Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 21, 2026

In Vitro Imaging and Quantification of the Drug Targeting Efficiency of Fluorescently Labeled GnRH Analogues
Published on: March 21, 2017
Prolactin and the prolactin receptor: new targets of an old hormone
Jessica Harris1, Prudence M Stanford, Samantha R Oakes
1Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia. j.harris@garvan.org.au
Abstract:
Prolactin (PRL) is one of a family of related hormones including growth hormone (GH) and placental lactogen (PL) that are hypothesized to have arisen from a common ancestral gene about 500 million years ago. Over 300 different functions of PRL have been reported, highlighting the importance of this pituitary hormone. PRL is also synthesized by a number of extra-pituitary tissues including the mammary gland and the uterus. Most of PRL's actions are mediated by the unmodified 23 kDa peptide, however, PRL may be modified post-translation, thereby altering its biological effects. PRL exerts these effects by binding to its receptor, a member of the class I cytokine receptor super-family. This activates a number of signaling pathways resulting in the transcription of genes necessary for the tissue specific changes induced by PRL. Mouse knockout models of the major forms of the PRL receptor have confirmed the importance of PRLs role in reproduction. Further knockout models have provided insight into the importance of PRL signaling intermediates and the advent of transcript profiling has allowed the elucidation of a number of PRL target genes.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
G Protein-coupled Receptors
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or serpentine receptors, and consist of seven (H1-H7) transmembrane alpha-helices that span the bilayer to form a cylindrical core. The transmembrane helices are connected by three extracellular loops and three...
G-protein Coupled Receptors
