PRLR is a receptor for the anterior pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) [, ]. PRL participates in a variety of physiological processes in vertebrates, including reproduction, osmo-regulation, growth and development, metabolism, immuno-regulation, energy balance, and behavior []. Upon ligand binding of PRL to PRLR, the Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2) is activated, which in turn initiates intracellular signalling cascades, including signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) family members STAT-1/3/5, and extracellular regulated kinases (ERK1/2) and AKT []. PRLR also acts as a prosurvival factor for spermatozoa by inhibiting sperm capacitation through suppression of SRC kinase activation and stimulation of AKT [].Mutations in the PRLR gene cause multiple fibroadenomas of the breast (MFAB) []and hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) [].
