The progesterone receptor is a protein found in the nucleus of certain cells that binds to progesterone (a female hormone). This receptor is normally found in cells of the female reproductive system, the central nervous system, and other parts of the body.
The binding of progesterone to its positive progesterone receptor occurs due to the structural complementarity between the two molecules, similar to a lock and key system. This binding leads to a series of chemical reactions that result in the expression of certain genes.
Unlike the positive estrogen receptor, there is the negative estrogen receptor, which refers to cells or tissues that do not have estrogen receptors or have a low expression of these receptors.
In the case of breast cancer, this expression results in cell proliferation. Thus, it is said that breast cancer is hormone-dependent for its development and progression whenever there is expression of progesterone receptors.
For this reason, hormone therapy is used in these cases. To learn more about breast cancer, see the “Breast Cancer” section. To learn more about hormone therapy, see the “Frequently Asked Questions – Hormone Therapy” section.
