Nuclear receptor

Nuclear receptors (NRs) constitute a large class of ligand-dependent transcription factors. They bind directly to lipophilic small-molecule ligands (steroids, thyroid hormones, and various metabolic intermediates), thereby regulating gene expression networks. NRs participate in multiple physiological processes including development, metabolism, inflammation, proliferation, and differentiation, serving as pivotal hubs for endocrine signalling and metabolic homeostasis.