Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group C member 1 (NR2C1)

Nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group C member 1 (NR2C1), also known as Testicular receptor 2 (TR2), is an orphan nuclear receptor and transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily[1][3][4][9]. This protein is characterized by a conserved DNA-binding (zinc finger) domain and a C-terminal ligand-binding domain, though no endogenous ligand has been identified (hence, "orphan"). NR2C1 primarily functions as a transcriptional repressor, for example, forming heterodimers with the related TR4 receptor to repress embryonic and fetal globin gene transcription in erythroid cells[1][3][7]. In hormone-responsive tissues, NR2C1 interacts with the estrogen and androgen receptors to modulate gene expression and cell proliferation, acting as a fine-tuner of hormonal signaling[1][9]. Its roles extend into the regulation of stem cell differentiation and proliferation, particularly in the context of metabolic and oncogenic pathways. Dysregulation or upregulation of NR2C1 has been linked to cancer cell proliferation and migration, including a demonstrated role in pancreatic cancer progression[1]. While structurally similar to nuclear hormone receptors that are established drug targets, no approved ligands or drugs are known to directly modulate NR2C1 in current clinical practice[6][7].

Other names

Testicular receptor 2TR2Orphan nuclear receptor TR2TR2-11TR2 nuclear hormone receptorNR2C1

Not applicable; no approved drugs directly target this molecule. Hypothetically, modulation would likely involve allosteric regulation of transcription or interaction with other receptors.