The genomic size of human PRLR gene exceeds 200 kb and contains 11 exons, including six non-coding exons 1 alternative spliced to a common non-coding exon 2 and exon 3-10 that encode the full length activating long form of the receptor. Intermediate and various short forms resulting from alternative splicing. Sequences from exon 11 are present only in the short forms of the receptor S1a and S1b and their respective variants.

Transcription of human prolactin receptor gene is regulated by a multiple and tissue-specific promoter (hPIII for exons 1 species hE13 and hPN1-5 for exons 1 species hE1N1-5). The prolactin receptor promoters belong to the TATA-less/non-initiator class. The hPIII promoter contains Sp1 and C/EBP elements that bind Sp1/Sp3 and C/EBPβ required for basal and regulated transcriptional activity, while hPN1 activity is conferred by domains containing an Ets element and an NR half-site. hPN2-5 have not been characterized. Estrogen regulates PRLR transcription through the preferentially utilized PIII promoter via a non-classical ERE independent mechanism in target cells. The protein association induced by estradiol of estrogen receptor α (ERα) with DNA-bound Sp1 (constitutive) and C/EBPβ (recruited by the ERα-SP1 complex) is essential for human prolaction receptor gene transcription (figure 1C). Additional interaction between zinc fingers of Sp1 and leucine zipper of C/EBPβ stabilizes the ERα-Sp1-C/EBPβ complex. The enhanced complex formation of ERα dimer (DNA binding domain) with Sp1 (zinc finger motifs) and C/EBPβ (basic region and leucine zipper) by E2 plays an essential role in the transcriptional activation of the hPRLR gene.

No known pseudogenes.

Several forms of the human prolactin receptor have been identified including the full length activating receptor (LF) and at least eight other variants (figures 2A and 2B). These variants differ by the length and composition of their extracellular and/or cytoplasmic domain. In addition to the membrane anchored prolactin receptors variants there is a soluble isoform (prolactin receptor binding protein -PRLRBP) that is generated by proteolytic cleavage of membrane bound prolactin receptor. The human prolactin receptor is composed of a single transmembrane domain, a ligand binding extracellular domain and a cytoplasmic domain which is required for signal transduction. Two disulfide-linked cysteines in the D1 subdomain are involved in ligand binding while WSXWS motif in the D2 subdomain is probably required for correct folding and cellular trafficking. Box 1, a proline rich domain highly conserved in the cytokine receptor family, is the JAK2 docking site. The activated JAK2 induced by prolactin (autophosphorylation), phosphorylates the dimerized receptor preferentially Y587 (at a consensus tyrosine phosphorylation site) which is only present in LF and ΔS1 (figure 2A). This is followed by phosphorylation, dimerization and nuclear translocation of STAT5 which causes transcriptional activation of prolactin responsive genes (i.e. β-casein, β-lactoglobulin, whey acidic protein, interferon-regulatory factor 1 and others). There are other nine tyrosines in the cytoplasmic domain (non-consensus phosphorylation sites) some of which may undergo phosphorylation and may participate in signal transduction. Box2 of unknown function is less conserved in the cytokine receptor family. Prolactin can also activate other tyrosine kinases, including Src family kinases, focal adhesion proteins, Tec kinase, and ErbB kinase. Prolactin induces the GRB2/SOS/Ras/Raf/MAPK signaling cascade. Prolactin through the long form of the receptor stimulates cell proliferation. The Δ-S1 form lacking exon 4 and 5, has reduced affinity for the hormone (due to abbreviated extracellular domain) but displays effective signal transduction. Stimulation of the intermediate form of the receptor (major deletion of exon 10, cytoplasmic domain) only with high concentrations of the ligand exhibits minor cell proliferation. The short forms of the receptor S1a and S1b derived from alternative splicing of exons 10 and 11 are inhibitory of the activation induced by prolactin through the long form of the receptor (see above). Intramolecular disulfide bonds of the prolactin receptor short form are required from its inhibitory action on the function of the long form of the receptor. Δ7/11 and Δ4-Δ7/11 isoforms do not contain transmembrane domain. Δ7/11, Δ4-Δ7/11 and PRLBP are soluble prolactin receptor. Δ4/6 S1a (Acc#. AF512796) variant encodes two open reading frames either 245 or 49 aa truncated prolactin receptor. Spliced variant S1c missing exon 10 was identified in spermatozoa (Acc#. GU133399).

Prolactin receptors have been identified in number of cells and tissues including the mammary gland, organs of the reproductive system, central nervous system, pituitary, adrenal cortex, skin, bone, lung, heart, liver, pancreas, GI tract, kidney, lymphoid tissue and spermatozoa. These are also present in breast cancer tissues and cells and in other tumoral tissues/cells.

Localized in the cell membrane, but also present intracellularly at various compartments.

The prolactin receptor mediates prolactin signaling and triggers intracellular responses that participate in diverse biological functions including, mammary gland development (proliferation and differentiation), initiation and maintenance of lactation, regulation of water and salt balance, reproduction, gonadal steroidogenesis, preservation of sperm integrity, embryonic implantation, brain and behavior, and immune-regulation (see description).