Growth Factors
Product List
PRL R Rabbit
Prolactin Rabbit Soluble Receptor Recombinant
Prolactin Human, His
Prolactin Human Recombinant, His Tag
Introduction
Prolactin (PRL), also known as lactotropin and mammotropin, is a protein hormone primarily associated with lactation in mammals . It is encoded by the PRL gene and is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland . Prolactin belongs to the family of lactogenic hormones, which also includes growth hormone and placental lactogens .
Key Biological Properties: Prolactin is a multifunctional hormone with over 300 known biological activities . It is involved in reproductive, metabolic, osmoregulatory, and immunoregulatory processes .
Expression Patterns: Prolactin is primarily produced by lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland, but it is also synthesized in various extrapituitary sites, including the immune system, brain, and mammary glands .
Tissue Distribution: Prolactin receptors are widely distributed throughout the body, including the mammary glands, liver, ovaries, prostate, and immune cells .
Primary Biological Functions: Prolactin’s primary role is to stimulate milk production (lactation) in mammals . It also plays a crucial role in the regulation of the immune system, pancreatic development, and metabolism .
Role in Immune Responses and Pathogen Recognition: Prolactin acts as a cytokine-like molecule, influencing the immune response by modulating the activity of immune cells and enhancing pathogen recognition .
Mechanisms with Other Molecules and Cells: Prolactin exerts its effects by binding to prolactin receptors (PRLR) on the surface of target cells . This binding activates several intracellular signaling pathways, including the JAK2/STAT5, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT pathways .
Binding Partners and Downstream Signaling Cascades: Upon binding to its receptor, prolactin induces receptor dimerization and activation of downstream signaling cascades, leading to changes in gene expression and cellular functions .
Control of Expression and Activity: Prolactin secretion is primarily regulated by dopamine, which inhibits its release from the pituitary gland . Other factors, such as estrogen and thyrotropin-releasing hormone, can stimulate prolactin release .
Transcriptional Regulation and Post-Translational Modifications: The expression of prolactin is controlled at the transcriptional level by various promoters and regulatory elements . Post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, also play a role in modulating prolactin’s activity .
Biomedical Research: Prolactin is widely studied in biomedical research for its roles in lactation, reproduction, and immune regulation .
Diagnostic Tools: Measurement of prolactin levels is used in the diagnosis of pituitary tumors, infertility, and other endocrine disorders .
Therapeutic Strategies: Prolactin and its receptor are potential targets for therapeutic interventions in conditions such as breast cancer, hyperprolactinemia, and autoimmune diseases .
Development to Aging and Disease: Prolactin plays a vital role throughout the life cycle, from prenatal development to aging . It is involved in the development of the mammary glands, regulation of the menstrual cycle, and maintenance of pregnancy . Prolactin levels can also influence the progression of certain diseases, such as prolactinomas and breast cancer .
