Steroid hormone

A signaling molecule synthesized from cholesterol that binds intracellular or membrane-associated receptors to regulate gene expression and cellular activity.

Steroidogenesis: The enzymatic process by which cells synthesize steroid hormones from cholesterol. It supplies the chemical pathway that produces every steroid hormone.
Cholesterol: A lipid molecule that forms part of animal cell membranes and serves as a precursor for steroid hormones. It is the shared starting material for steroid hormone synthesis.
Cortisol: A glucocorticoid hormone that helps regulate metabolism, stress responses, and immune activity. It is the principal human glucocorticoid and a key stress-response signal.
Adrenal cortex: The outer region of the adrenal gland that produces corticosteroids and adrenal androgens. It is a major source of corticosteroid hormones.
Nuclear receptor: A receptor protein that regulates gene expression in response to ligands, including steroid hormones. Many steroid hormones alter transcription by binding members of this receptor family.
Endocrine system: A network of glands and cells that release hormones to regulate bodily functions. Steroid hormones are one major class of signals in this system.
Aldosterone: A mineralocorticoid hormone that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion by the kidneys. It illustrates steroid control of salt balance and blood pressure.
Gonad: A reproductive organ—the ovary or testis—that produces gametes and sex hormones. Gonads produce major reproductive steroid hormones.
Glucocorticoid receptor: A receptor activated by glucocorticoids such as cortisol that regulates gene expression and cellular responses. It exemplifies how a steroid hormone can directly alter transcription.
Hormone: A signaling molecule released by cells that influences the activity of other cells. Steroid hormones belong to this broader class of chemical signals.

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