Steroid Receptors

Steroid receptors are special proteins found in cells in all multicellular organisms. They bind to specific hormones and then signal the cell to activate or repress certain gene expression patterns. They are important because they are responsible for the adaptation of the organism to its environment and hormonal changes, as well as for the regulation of growth and development. Steroid receptors are used in medical treatments to target certain hormones, such as in the treatment of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and other diseases. They are also used in research to understand better the molecular basis of various diseases and to design better treatments.