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Position paper: Rapid responses to steroids: current status and future prospects
Alexandra Wendler1, Elisabetta Baldi, Brian J Harvey
1Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
European Journal of Endocrinology
|March 3, 2010
Summary
Rapid steroid actions, distinct from genomic pathways, are increasingly recognized. Research focuses on identifying novel receptors and mechanisms for these rapid effects, aiming for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Signaling
Background:
- Steroids traditionally act via genomic pathways involving receptor binding and gene expression modulation.
- Emerging evidence over 30 years highlights rapid, non-genomic steroid actions across all steroid types.
- The precise mechanisms and mediating structures for rapid steroid effects remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history and current controversies surrounding rapid steroid actions.
- To increase awareness within the endocrinology community regarding these rapid responses.
- To propose a research agenda for advancing the field.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on historical context, controversies, and challenges.
- Discussion of proposed research directions and their potential impact.
- Synthesis of existing knowledge on rapid steroid signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Rapid steroid actions are well-established but lack unanimous acceptance regarding mechanisms.
- Both classical steroid receptors and unrelated structures are implicated in mediating rapid effects.
- Controversies persist regarding the identification of specific receptors and signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to identify novel receptoral structures mediating rapid steroid responses.
- Elucidating mechanisms of action at physiological steroid concentrations is crucial.
- Translational studies are essential to translate findings into clinical benefits for rapid steroid action research.
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