Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a key homeostatic regulator involved in governing immune response, neuro-integration, metabolism and lung function. In conjunction with its pivotal role in human biology, GR action is critically linked to the pathology of various disease types, including cancer. While pharmacological activation of GR has been used for the treatment of various liquid cancers, its role in solid cancers is less clearly defined and seems to be cancer-type dependent. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of GR biology, spanning the structural and functional basis of response to glucocorticoids, as well as how this transcription factor operates in cancer, including the implications in disease development, progression and drug resistance.
Highlights
The fitness of a given organism is linked to its ability to adapt to various internal and external factors
We discuss the biological role of Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in various cancer types
How GR can act either as a tumor suppressor, blocking growth and metastatic spread or as an oncogene, contributing to tumor progression depending on cancer type or disease setting (Fig. 2)
Summary
The fitness of a given organism is linked to its ability to adapt to various internal and external factors. Through the course of animal evolution, a group of transcription factors with a high affinity for sensing and reacting to various molecules of lipid nature has emerged (Markov & Laudet 2011). The evolutionary emergence of the steroid hormone receptor superfamily with the unique ability of sensing cholesterol-based metabolites came early in the animal lineage (Thornton 2001). These proteins are tightly, intrinsically bound to animal physiology and are causally linked to embryonic development, sex dimorphism, metabolism, salt balance regulation, neuro-integration, and immune system function (Guyton & Hall 2006)
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