glucocorticoid receptor

plural glucocorticoid receptors

1. biochemistryA protein found in multiple forms within cells, which binds glucocorticoids and subsequently influences gene transcription.

   The cellular site of binding of dexamethasone by specific glucocorticoid receptors in cultured hepatoma cells was investigated with the use of certain mercurials.

   1972, B. B. Levinson, J. D. Baxter, G. G. Rousseau, G. M. Tomkins, “Cellular site of glucocorticoid-receptor complex formation.”, in Science, 175, no. 18 14 January 1972: 189-190

   1 more example

   2009 Zimmer, Carl. "Can Evolution Run in Reverse? A Study Says It’s a One-Way Street," New York Times, 28 September 2009 [cited 18 December 2009], Science section, online edition, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/science/29evol.html. They studied a protein called a glucocorticoid receptor that helps humans and most other vertebrates cope with stress by grabbing a hormone called cortisol and then switching on stress-defense genes.

   Synonyms: GCCR, GCR, GR, GRL