Glucocorticoid receptor epigenetic activity in the heart.

Abstract

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a critical nuclear receptor that regulates gene expression in diverse tissues, including the heart, where it plays a key role in maintaining cardiovascular health. GR signaling influences essential processes within cardiomyocytes, including hypertrophy, calcium handling, and metabolic balance, all of which are vital for proper cardiac function. Dysregulation of GR activity has been implicated in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), highlighting the potential of GR as a therapeutic target. Remarkably, recent insights into GR's epigenetic regulation and its interaction with circadian rhythms reveal opportunities to optimize therapeutic strategies by aligning glucocorticoid administration with circadian timing. In this review, we provide an overview of the glucocorticoid receptor's role in cardiac physiology, detailing its genomic and non-genomic pathways, interactions with epigenetic and circadian regulatory mechanisms, and implications for cardiovascular disease. By dissecting these molecular interactions, this review outlines the potential of epigenetically informed and circadian-timed interventions that could change the current paradigms of CVD treatments in favor of precise and effective therapies.