Function
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in epithelial cells is activated by the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone promoting renal sodium retention and potassium excretion. It is nuclear receptor. In non epithelial cells MR is activated by cortisol[1]. MR is exposed to many steroids including cortisol, cortisone and progesterone, however, aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone are its physiological ligands.
See also Mineralocorticoids; Steroid Hormones and their receptors and Intracellular receptors
Disease
MR mutations are the principal cause of renal pseudohypoaldosteronism[2]. MR mutation S810L causes early-onset hypertension[3].
Relevance
Inhibition of cardia MR prevents doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity[4]. MR is an important proadipogenic transcription factor that may mediate aldosterone and glucocorticoid effects on adipose tissue development and hence on obesity and development of metabolic syndrome[5].
Structural highlights
The MR ligand aldosterone binds in a (Alpha Helices, Beta Strands , Loops ,
Turns). [6]. . Water molecules are shown as red spheres.
