What receptor does prolactin bind to?
Prolactin family PRL binds to the prolactin receptor (PRLR) on the surface of the target cell membrane and initiates a corresponding intracellular signal transduction process to achieve its biological function. The prolactin receptor and the growth hormone receptor belong to the type I cytokine receptor superfamily.
Where are the receptors for prolactin?
Receptors for prolactin are located in many tissues including breast, liver, ovary and prostate. Prolactin receptors bind growth hormone with nearly equal affinity. Prolactin is the major hormone of lactation, acting on the oestrogen-primed breast to initiate and maintain lactation.
How does prolactin affect gene expression?
The prolactin gene provides a model of tissue-specific gene regulation resulting in pulsatile transcription dynamics in both cell lines and endocrine tissues. In most cell culture models, prolactin transcription appears to be highly variable between cells, with differences in transcription pulse duration and frequency.
Do prolactin have membrane bound receptors?
The gene encoding the human prolactin receptor (alias PRLR) is located on chromosome 5 (Arden et al., 1990). In addition to these membrane-bound isoforms, a soluble form of the prolactin receptor, which contains only the extracellular region, has been identified (Berthon et al., 1987; Postel-Vinay et al., 1991).
What is the mechanism of action of prolactin?
Prolactin appears to initiate its action by interacting with a specific receptor on the cell surface of the mammary epithelial cell. This mode of action was first suggested by Turkington (62), who showed that PRL covalently linked to Sepharose beads is biologically active in mouse mammary epithelial cells.
What type of receptor is a prolactin receptor?
The prolactin receptor (PRLR) belongs to the class I cytokine receptor superfamily, a family of single-pass transmembrane proteins that transduce signals following phosphorylation by cytoplasmic kinases.
Is prolactin a genetic?
PRL (Prolactin) is a Protein Coding gene. Diseases associated with PRL include Impotence and Pituitary Gland Disease. Among its related pathways are Signaling events mediated by PTP1B and Peptide ligand-binding receptors.
What does abnormal prolactin mean?
If prolactin levels are higher than normal, it often means there is a type of tumor of the pituitary gland, known as a prolactinoma. This tumor makes the gland produce too much prolactin. Excess prolactin can cause the production of breast milk in men and in women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is the main function of prolactin?
Prolactin contributes to hundreds of physiologic functions, but the two primary responsibilities are milk production and the development of mammary glands within breast tissues. Prolactin promotes the growth of mammary alveoli, which are the components of the mammary gland, where the actual production of milk occurs.
Does high prolactin cause high estrogen?
High prolactin levels interfere with the normal production of other hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone. This can change or stop ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).
What causes prolactin to release?
Stimulation of the nipples and mammary gland, as occurs during nursing, leads to prolactin release. This effect appears to be due to a spinal reflex arc that causes release of prolactin-stimulating hormones from the hypothalamus.