What are the different types of intracellular receptors?

Intracellular receptors are globular proteins that are found inside the cell, unlike cell surface receptors which are located on the cell membrane. There are two types of intracellular receptor – Type I and Type II - that vary in terms of location as well as function. 

Type I intracellular receptors

Type I intracellular receptors are located in the cell’s cytoplasm. They are also known as cytoplasmic receptors. Chaperone proteins anchor Type I intracellular receptors in the cytoplasm of the cell and keep them in an inactive state. 

Progesterone receptors and androgen receptors are two examples of type I intracellular receptors. 

Type II intracellular receptors

Type II intracellular receptors are located in the cell’s nucleus. They are also known as nuclear receptors. These intracellular receptors are able to influence transcription directly without having to translocate as they are already in the nucleus. 

Thyroid receptors and retinoic acid receptors are two examples of type II intracellular receptors.