Nuclear receptor signalling comprises regulatory mechanisms that control gene expression in response to various extracellular signals and plays important roles in diverse physiological processes. Nuclear receptors are a class of transcription factors that, upon ligand binding, translocate to the nucleus and modulate the transcription of target genes. For example, the Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) is activated by glucocorticoid hormones, such as cortisol. It regulates genes involved in glucose metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. Activation of GR thereby helps the body respond to stress and modulate the immune system. Steroid hormone receptors are another important class of nuclear receptors. Estrogen Receptors (ERs) for example, including ERα and ERβ, bind and respond to estrogen hormones. They play essential roles in regulating female sexual development, the menstrual cycle, and maintaining bone density. Dysregulation of ER signaling is implicated in breast and ovarian cancers. Similarly, the Androgen Receptor (AR) is activated by androgen hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It regulates the development of male sexual characteristics, sperm production, and muscle mass. Mutations or alterations in AR signalling can lead to conditions including androgen insensitivity syndrome and prostate cancer. Thyroid Hormone Receptors (TRs) respond to thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and regulate metabolic rate, growth, and development. They influence genes involved in energy expenditure, cardiovascular health, and brain development. Lastly, Retinoic Acid Receptors (RARs) and Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs) play roles in embryonic development, immune function, and cellular differentiation. They are activated by retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A. RAR signalling, for example, is essential for limb development. The signalling mechanism of nuclear receptors begins when a specific ligand, such as a hormone or metabolite, binds to the nuclear receptor in the cytoplasm. Ligand binding induces a conformational change in the receptor, exposing its nuclear localization signal (NLS). The activated receptor-ligand complex translocates to the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex and once inside the nucleus, recognizes and binds to specific DNA sequences called hormone response elements (HREs), sequences often located in the promoters or enhancers of target genes. Nuclear receptors can also interact with coactivators or corepressors, depending on the ligand and target gene. Coactivators enhance gene transcription, whilst corepressors inhibit it. For example, various coactivator proteins interact with AR to enhance its transcriptional activity. Examples include SRC-1 (Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1), SRC-2, and SRC-3. These coactivators play a role in facilitating the recruitment of the transcriptional machinery to AR-bound DNA. Conversely, corepressor proteins inhibiting AR’s transcriptional activity include NCoR (Nuclear Receptor Corepressor) and SMRT (Silencing Mediator for Retinoid and Thyroid Hormone Receptors). The receptor-ligand complex recruits or releases RNA polymerase and other transcriptional machinery, ultimately modulating the transcription of target genes. Coactivators can facilitate chromatin remodelling and enhance transcription, whereas corepressors inhibit it. The changes in gene expression then controlled by nuclear receptor signaling influences specific cellular processes, including metabolism, development, immunity, and homeostasis. Upon ligand dissociation or modification, nuclear receptor signalling is terminated. The receptor may be inactivated, translocate back to the cytoplasm, or undergo degradation. We offer a comprehensive product range of research reagents for studying nuclear receptor signalling, including Estrogen Receptor alpha antibodies, Androgen Receptor antibodies, Progesterone Receptor antibodies, FOXO1A ELISA Kits, and Estrogen Receptor alpha ELISA Kits. Explore our full nuclear receptor signalling product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Coactivators & Corepressors, Estrogen, and Nuclear Pore Complex product ranges.