The Structure, Functions and Physiological Regulation of Steroid Hormone Receptors in the Corpus Luteum
Zhang Jingwei, Zhang Zhenghong, Wang Zhengchao*
In mammals, the main founctions of corpus lutea is to synthesize and secrete progesterone, besides the moderate amounts estradiol synthesis. Progesterone is not only the main regulator of estrous cycle duration, but also creates a suitable condition for embryo implantation and development. These steroid hormones act on the target cells through the specific nuclear receptors, which also belong to the family of receptor-dependent transcription factors. For example, progesterone plays a physiological role in the target cells through nuclear progesterone receptor isoforms A and B, while estradiol through α and β receptors. In addition, these steroid hormones may rapidly activate the appropriate intracellular signaling pathways for their physiological functions through the membrane steroid-binding proteins, like the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 and 2, the membrane progestin receptors alpha, beta and gamma, and the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. The article reviewed the molecular structure, physiological functions and its regulatory mechanism of luteal steroid hormone receptors, in order to further understand the important role of steroid hormone receptors in the regulation of physiological functions in the corpus luteum.
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