Introduction to Nuclear Receptors & Erythropoeisis

Question 1

What 4 steps outline the process of steroid receptor signalling?

Answer 1

1. Steroid diffuses across membrane
2. Binding to receptor releases heat shock protein, dimerization occurs
3. Hormone-receptor complex migrates to nucleus
4. Complex binds to response element and activates transcription

Question 2

What is the effect of increasing erythropoietin on body iron levels? How does it accomplish this?

Answer 2

Signals the bone marrow to produce erythroferrone, which signals the liver hepatocytes to downregulate hepcidin, resulting in increased iron absorption in the gut.

Question 3

Under what conditions is production of erythropoietin upregulated?

Answer 3

When the body is experiencing anemia or hypoxia.