The protein encoded by this gene is a receptor for
glucocorticoids that can act as both a transcription factor and as
a regulator of other transcription factors. This protein can also
be found in heteromeric cytoplasmic complexes along with heat shock
factors and immunophilins. The protein is typically found in the
cytoplasm until it binds a ligand, which induces transport into the
nucleus. Mutations in this gene are a cause of glucocorticoid
resistance, or cortisol, resistance. Alternate splicing, the use of
at least three different promoters, and alternate translation
initiation sites result in several transcript variants encoding the
same protein or different isoforms, but the full-length nature of
some variants has not been determined.
