Mineralocorticoid Receptor, Androgen Receptor, Glucocorticoid Receptor (MR, AR, GR)

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), androgen receptor (AR), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) are closely related members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, specifically the steroid hormone receptor subfamily. They function as ligand-activated transcription factors with a conserved domain structure: an N-terminal activation domain, a central DNA-binding domain, a hinge region, and a ligand-binding domain. Upon binding their respective steroid hormones—aldosterone (MR), androgens (AR), or glucocorticoids (GR)—these receptors translocate into the nucleus and regulate gene expression to control physiologic processes such as electrolyte balance (MR), development of male traits (AR), and stress responses (GR). They are key targets in diseases such as hypertension, prostate cancer, and inflammatory disorders, and are therapeutically modulated by numerous small molecules.

Other names

MRNR3C2ARNR3C4GRNR3C1

Ligand binding to the receptor induces conformational change, nuclear translocation, and gene transcription modulation (agonism or antagonism). Antagonists prevent receptor-mediated transcription of target genes. Some drugs function as partial agonists or selective modulators.