Distinct proteins interacting with the glucocorticoid receptor

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a hormone-dependent transcription facto r that modulates gene transcription by binding to its response element, int eracting with other transcription factors, contacting the basal transcripti on machinery and by interacting with several intermediary proteins, such as coactivators. Here we discuss the most prominent examples for interacting transcription factors, interacting proteins that belong to the basal transc ription apparatus and intermediary factors. Furthermore, we describe a new class of GR-interacting proteins (GRIPs) which have been identified by a bl otting technique, using a radioactively labeled GR/GRE complex as a probe t o identify proteins that interact with the activated GR. Two of these GRIPs, termed GRIP 170 and GRIP 120, which were identified by biochemical purification and microsequencing and have turned out to play a role in modulating GR-mediated transcription, are discussed in detail.