MCR Background Information Mineralocorticoid hormones are primarily found in epithelial tissues where they function as regulators of Na+, K+ and H+ ion transport. Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid that has been shown to regulate electrolyte excretion and intravascular volume and is therefore involved in blood pressure regulation. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MCR or MR) is a member of the steroid/thyroid /retinoic nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that has been shown to activate gene transcription in response to aldosterone binding. Regulation of the mineralocorticoid receptors occurs through either receptor down-regulation (negative autoregulation) or hormone-mediated upregulation (positive autoregulation). MCR association with HSP 90 appears to be required for hormone binding to MCR and subsequent MCR activation.
