Progesterone Receptor (PR)

The progesterone receptor (PR), also known as NR3C3, is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the effects of the steroid hormone progesterone. It plays a central role in reproductive tissue development and function, but is also expressed in various non-reproductive tissues. There are two main isoforms, PR-A and PR-B, with distinct functional properties. PR-A acts mainly as a repressor, while PR-B functions primarily as a potent activator of target gene transcription. The receptor is a key therapeutic target for contraception, menstrual disorders, preterm labor prevention, and certain cancers. Progesterone receptor status is routinely assessed for breast cancer prognosis/treatment planning.

Other names

NR3C3Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 3Progest_rcpt_N

Ligand binding induces receptor dimerization, translocation to the nucleus, binding to progesterone response elements (PREs) on DNA, and recruitment of coactivators or corepressors to regulate target gene expression.