The ligand binding domain of the liver receptor homolog-1, a member of nuclear receptor superfamily,
The ligand binding domain (LBD) of the liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1): LRH-1 belongs to nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, and is expressed mainly in the liver, intestine, exocrine pancreas, and ovary. Most nuclear receptors function as homodimer or heterodimers. However, LRH-1 binds DNA as a monomer, and is a regulator of bile-acid homeostasis, steroidogenesis, reverse cholesterol transport and the initial stages of embryonic development. Recently, phospholipids have been identified as potential ligand for LRH-1 and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1). Like other members of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, LRH-1 has a central well conserved DNA binding domain (DBD), a variable N-terminal domain, a flexible hinge and a C-terminal ligand binding domain (LBD).