The cell signaling pathways induced by the steroid hormones regulate specific genes within the cell's DNA. The hormones and receptor complex act as transcription regulators by increasing or decreasing the synthesis of mRNA molecules from specific genes.
Steroid hormones are not able to target every cell within the body, so the overall response is slower. They bind to receptors on the cell's surface and the receptors aid in helping the steroid hormones enter the cell.
Hormones work by binding to protein receptors either inside target cells or on their plasma membranes. The binding of a steroid hormone forms a hormone-receptor complex that affects gene expression in the nucleus of the target cell.
Steroids pass into a cell's nucleus, bind to specific receptors and genes and trigger the cell to make proteins.
