Function
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in epithelial cells is activated by the mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone promoting renal sodium retention and potassium excretion. 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.
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.
