Steroid receptors are ligand dependent, intracellular proteins that stimulate transcription of specific genes by binding to specific DNA sequences following activation by the appropriate hormone. Mineralocorticoids are a family of steroids, secreted by the adrenal cortex, necessary for the regulation of a number of metabolic processes including electrolyte regulation. These compounds exert their effect through their interaction with the mineralocorticoid receptor and that complex's subsequent association with DNA. Given the function of mineralocorticoids, it is not surprising to find that the kidney is a primary target organ for mineralocorticoids and that this organ has been shown to contain Mineralocorticoid Receptor.
