A hormone response element (HRE) is a response element for hormones, a short sequence of DNA within the promoter of a gene that is able to bind a specific hormone receptor complex and therefore regulate transcription.^[1] The sequence is most commonly a pair of inverted repeats separated by three nucleotides, which also indicates that the receptor binds as a dimer.

A gene may have many different response elements, allowing complex control to be exerted over the level and rate of transcription.^[2]

HRE are used in transgenic animal cells as inducer of gene expression.

[edit] Examples

The glucocorticoid response element ("GRE") is "5'-GGTACAnnnTGTTCT-3'". The "n"s refer to positions that don't require a specific nucleotide for binding.^[3]

This GRE is shared with mineralocorticoids, progesterone, and androgens, but not estrogen.

[edit] References

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