PROLACTIN RECEPTOR GENE DIVERSITY - STRUCTURE AND REGULATION

The diverse functionality of prolactin and the wide expression of the prolactin receptor suggest a complex system regulated by this polypept ide hormone. Different hormone and receptor forms, as well as differen tial signal transduction pathways, contribute to the functional divers ity of prolactin's actions. The heterogeneity of rat prolactin recepto r gene transcripts in their 5'-untranslated region has led to the reco gnition of multiple and tissue-specific utilization of prolactin recep tor gene promoters in gonadal and non-gonadal tissues. These findings have provided insights into the molecular basis for the diversity of p rolactin's actions. It is now clear that cellular responsiveness to pr olactin can be regulated through differential promoter control of the expression of the surface receptors for prolactin in different target tissues.