The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR, MLR, MCR), also aldosterone receptor, is officially labelled nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 2, (NR3C2) and is a receptor with high affinity for mineralocorticoids. It belongs to the steroid hormone receptor family where the ligant enters the cytoplasm, interacts with the receptor and results in a signal transduction affecting the nucleus.

The gene for the NR3C2 is a 107 kDA protein on chromosome 4q31.1. The receptor is expressed in may tissues, at high concentrations in the kidneys and sweat glands. Its activation leads to transport of ions and water resulting in an increase in extracellular volume, increase in blood pressure, and decrease in potassium.

The receptor is activated by mineralocorticoids such as aldosterone and deoxycorticosterone as well as glucocorticoids, like cortisol and cortison. It also responds to some progestins. Spironolactone is a NR3C2 receptor antagonist.

Activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor results in translocation to the cell nucleus, homodimerization and binding to hormone response elements on DNA. This results in induction or transrepression of genes controlled by the HRE's and production or cessation of production of proteins.

Related receptors

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Receptors with a similar structure include: the androgen receptor, estrogen receptors, glucocorticoid receptor, progesterone receptor, thyroid hormone receptors, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, retinoic acid receptor, farnesoid x receptor, pregnane x receptor, liver X receptor, vitamin D receptor, retinoid x receptor and the constitutive androstane receptor.

Intracellular receptors