Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
09:49
Brain Membrane Fractionation: An Ex Vivo Approach to Assess Subsynaptic Protein Localization
Published on: May 12, 2017
Novel progesterone receptors: neural localization and possible functions
Sandra L Petersen1, Karlie A Intlekofer, Paula J Moura-Conlon
1Molecular and Cellular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA, USA.
Frontiers in Neuroscience
|September 26, 2013
Summary
Progesterone (P4) acts through multiple receptors in the brain. The progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1)/S2R family, not membrane progestin receptors (mPRs), are abundant in brain regions regulating neuroendocrine functions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Neurobiology
- Steroid hormone signaling
Background:
- Progesterone (P4) influences numerous neural functions via genomic and non-genomic pathways.
- Classical progestin receptor (PGR) has been the primary focus; however, non-classical P4 signaling molecules are increasingly recognized.
- These include membrane progestin receptors (mPRs) and the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1)/S2R family.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the structures, neuroanatomical localization, and signaling mechanisms of PGRMC1/S2R family members.
- To investigate the abundance of PGRMC1/S2R family members versus mPRs in key brain regions.
- To discuss potential roles of PGRMC1/S2R in neuroendocrine regulation and other P4-mediated effects.
Main Methods:
- Neuroanatomical mapping studies.
- Analysis of protein structures and signaling pathways.
- Literature review of P4's neural functions.
Main Results:
- PGRMC1/S2R family members, not mPRs, are highly abundant in forebrain structures.
- These brain regions are critical for neuroendocrine regulation and non-genomic P4 effects.
- Detailed descriptions of PGRMC1/S2R structures, localization, and signaling are provided.
Conclusions:
- The PGRMC1/S2R family plays a significant role in P4's non-genomic neural actions, particularly in the forebrain.
- Potential roles in gonadotropin release, sexual behaviors, fluid balance, neuroprotection, and catamenial epilepsy are suggested.
- Further research into PGRMC1/S2R signaling is warranted to understand P4's diverse neural effects.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...
01:31Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
01:03Olfactory Receptors: Location and Structure
The process of olfaction, also known as the sense of smell, is a sophisticated chemical response system. The specialized sensory neurons that facilitate this process, known as olfactory receptor neurons, are situated in an upper segment of the nasal cavity, known as the olfactory epithelium. Olfactory sensory neurons are bipolar, with their dendrites extending from the epithelium's apex into the mucus that lines the nasal cavity. Airborne molecules, when inhaled, traverse the olfactory...
01:30Transducer Mechanism: G Protein–Coupled Receptors
G Protein–Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to various stimuli. GPCRs regulate critical physiological pathways and are excellent drug targets for treating diseases such as diabetes, cancer, obesity, depression, or Alzheimer's. Nearly 35% of approved drugs implement their therapeutic effects by selectively interacting with specific GPCRs.
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
GPCRs are also called heptahelical, 7TM, or...
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:15G Protein-coupled Receptors
G Protein-Coupled Receptors or GPCRs are membrane-bound receptors that transiently associate with heterotrimeric G proteins and induce an appropriate response to sensory stimuli such as light, odors, hormones, cytokines, or neurotransmitters.
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...
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...