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The Human Glucocorticoid Receptor Beta: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Implications
Nicolas C Nicolaides1,2,3,4
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece.
Abstract:
Glucocorticoids play a fundamental role in a plethora of cellular processes and physiologic functions through binding on a ubiquitously expressed receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which functions as a ligand-activated transcription factor influencing the transcription rate of numerous genes in a positive or negative fashion. For many years, we believed that the pleiotropic actions of glucocorticoids were mediated by a single GR protein expressed by the NR3C1 gene. Nowadays, we know that the NR3C1 gene encodes 2 main receptor isoforms, the GRα and the GRβ, through alternative splicing of the last exons. Furthermore, the alternative initiation of GR mRNA translation generates 8 distinct GRα and possibly 8 different GRβ receptor isoforms. The tremendous progress of cellular, molecular, and structural biology in association with the data explosion provided by bioinformatics have enabled a deeper understanding of the role of GRβ in cellular homeostasis. In this review article, I will provide an update on the cellular properties and functions of hGRβ and summarize the current knowledge about the evolving role of the beta isoform of glucocorticoid receptor in endocrine physiology, pathophysiology, and beyond.
Insights
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) has multiple isoforms, including GRα and GRβ, encoded by the NR3C1 gene. This review updates on the cellular functions and physiological roles of the human GRβ isoform.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Glucocorticoids regulate cellular processes via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR).
- Previously, a single GR protein was known, encoded by the NR3C1 gene.
- The NR3C1 gene produces two main GR isoforms: GRα and GRβ, via alternative splicing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on the cellular properties and functions of human GRβ (hGRβ).
- To summarize current knowledge on the role of the GRβ isoform in endocrine physiology and pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature.
- Integration of data from cellular, molecular, and structural biology.
- Bioinformatic data analysis.
Main Results:
- The NR3C1 gene encodes at least two GR isoforms, GRα and GRβ.
- Alternative mRNA translation initiation generates multiple distinct GRα and GRβ isoforms.
- Advances in biology and bioinformatics deepen the understanding of GRβ's role in homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- The GRβ isoform plays a significant role in cellular homeostasis.
- Understanding GRβ is crucial for comprehending endocrine physiology and pathophysiology.
- Further research into GRβ functions is warranted.
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