Some theoretical questions of the peptide and steroid hormone regulation. Part I.: The receptor-steroid variable complex (RSVC) hypothesis of genetic regulation.

Steroids exert their known biological and biochemical effects in connection with specific receptors. These effects are so various and complex that it is impossible to explain them on the basis of a concept supposing the presence of only one unique receptor molecule in the target organs. The heterogeneity in the function of steroids requires a heterogeneity in the molecular composition of the receptor-steroid complexes. Direct and indirect evidence is presented to support a multiplex, heterogene receptor theory. The possible origin of this complexity is analyzed and a new concept of specific gene regulation by heterogene receptor-steroid complexes is suggested. in this theory the distribution and sequence of one or more steroids on the receptor can carry and serve highly specific and unique information capable or recognizing and binding to the acceptor site of the chromatin and regulating gene expressions specific for steroids. The formation of such Receptor-Steroid Variable Complexes (RSVC) has been mathematically analyzed and the properties of a chromatin protein capable of detecting both the DNA and the steroid sequences on the receptor are discussed.