Cortisol Signaling

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cortisol signaling, including the mechanisms of steroid hormone action, the role of intracellular receptors, and the effects of cortisol on metabolism.

What is the unique property of steroid hormones in terms of receptor binding?

Steroid hormones do not bind membrane-bound receptors; their receptors are located in the cytosol or nucleus.

How do steroid hormones primarily signal?

By modulating gene transcription.

What happens to protein product levels when transcription is increased by cortisol?

The increase in transcription leads to an increase in protein product.

What are the two major classes of intracellular receptors?

One class binds to DNA in the absence of ligand (like thyroid hormone); the other class is present in the cytoplasm bound to proteins (like cortisol).

What is the role of heat shock proteins in cortisol signaling?

They are bound to the intracellular receptor in the cytoplasm and help in the translocation to the nucleus upon hormone binding.

What is the response element that cortisol binds to after translocating to the nucleus?

Glucocorticoid response element.

In the fasted state, what pathway does cortisol primarily increase transcription for?

Gluconeogenesis.

Which gene product does cortisol increase transcription from that is involved in gluconeogenesis?

PEP carboxykinase.

How does cortisol affect blood glucose levels during fasting?

It increases blood glucose levels by enhancing gluconeogenesis.

What metabolic state is characterized by catabolic pathways and elevated cortisol levels?

The fasted state.