Progesterone ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Progesterone also called P4 is a steroid hormone playing an important role in the reproductive system. Its molecular weight is approximately 314.47 Da. This hormone is mainly expressed in the ovaries but also in the adrenal glands and placenta. Progesterone acts by binding to its receptor the progesterone receptor (PR) which is found in target tissues such as the uterus mammary glands and the brain. When progesterone binds to PR it translocates to the nucleus to act as a transcription factor regulating gene expression that is important for reproductive function.

Biological function summary

Progesterone is essential for preparation and maintenance of pregnancy. It facilitates the transformation of the endometrium to a secretory phase to support embryo implantation. It also modulates immune responses during pregnancy to prevent the maternal immune system from rejecting the fetus. Progesterone and its receptor are not part of a larger protein complex but they do interact with other molecular pathways to exert their actions. Additionally progesterone inhibits the proliferation of mammary gland epithelial cells contributing to breast development and function.

Pathways

Progesterone plays a significant role in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy-related pathways. It works within the ovarian steroidogenesis pathway which includes other hormones like estrogen and luteinizing hormone. This pathway ensures the release and regulation of female sex hormones. Progesterone also interacts with the MAPK signaling pathway which involves proteins such as ERK1/2 affecting cellular processes including cell growth and differentiation.

Associated diseases and disorders

Progesterone is linked to conditions such as endometriosis and breast cancer. In endometriosis progesterone resistance leads to the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The hormone's association with breast cancer involves its interaction with proteins like estrogen receptor alpha which can promote cancer cell proliferation when dysregulated. Understanding progesterone’s role in disease helps in developing therapeutic strategies to manage these conditions.