脊椎动物脑发育中糖皮质激素受体功能的研究进展

The function of glucocorticoid receptor on brain development in vertebrates

糖皮质激素受体(glucocorticoid reccptor,GR)广泛分布在脊椎动物中枢神经系统的多个组织区域中,而且结构及功能保守。在与激素结合的状态下,受体能够特异性地与靶基因的启动子结合影响基因的表达,或通过激活G蛋白偶联的信号途径引起神经递质的释放。外界环境刺激和外源糖皮质激素暴露都能改变GR在脑中的表达,并对神经的发育及功能产生影响,同时也对学习、记忆以及情感等高级神经活动和行为起到重要的作用。该文对脊椎动物糖皮质激素受体的结构和在脑中的分布,以及对神经发育和功能的影响及其中的分子机制的最新研究进展进行综述。

Glucocorticoid receptors（GR） are widely distributed in the central nervous system of vertebrates,the structure and function of which are highly conservative.After binding to hormones these receptors either work specifically with promoters of the target genes and affect gene expression,or activate G protein-coupled signaling pathways that cause neurotransmitter release.Research shows that external environment stimulation or exposure to exogenous glucocorticoid can change GR expression in the brain and influence the development and function of the brain;as a result significantly impact learning,memory,emotion,and behavior.This paper reviewed the latest progresses of the structure and distribution of GR in the brain and GR-mediated effects on brain development and functions in vertebrates,and highlighted the molecular mechanisms underlying the GR-mediated actions.