Regulation by aldosterone

Regulation by aldosterone

Mineralocorticoids play an important role in water and salt balance control. The hormone aldosterone, produced by the adrenal gland, regulates absorption of sodium ions and secretion of potassium ions in urine. Aldosterone binds the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which in turn moves towards the nucleus.

Once there, the receptor complex binds to the mineralocorticoid responsive element (MRE) on DNA. This results in gene transcription, which stimulates the ion channels and pumps for the retention of sodium.