Mechanisms of action of steroid receptors in the regulation of gene transcription

Abstract

Steroid hormones regulate rates of transcription of certain genes by binding as a hormone-receptor complex to specific DNA sequences termed steroid-response elements. These elements consist of inverted repeats of the sequence TGTTCT for glucocorticoids, progestagens and androgens and TGACC for oestrogens. Domains for steroid binding, DNA binding and transcriptional activation have been defined in the mouse oestrogen receptor.