The PRLR can also bind to and be activated by growth hormone (GH) and human placental lactogen (hPL).
[2] PRLR expression can be found in several tissues such as the gonads, breast, uterus, heart, liver, kidney, brain, immune cells, as well as adrenal and pituitary glands.
Additionally, post-translational modifications, like alternative splicing are the events that result in the different isoforms that allow for all the different actions of prolactin in the body.
[4][5] PRLRs also have functions in the second messenger cascades, including: Expression of the PRLR protein is found within cells of the mammary glands[10] in accordance with its role in lactation, but also is the subject of attention for its diverse and emerging roles by its expression in adipose tissue,[11] pancreatic islet cell proliferation,[12] and immune responses.
[24] Although LFA102 has been proved sufficient to reduce prolactin receptor signaling based on in vitro and in vivo (mouse) studies, LFA102 likely has low effects on limiting tumor growth (breast and prostate cancer) as shown in phase I clinical trials.
[26] The defect in the gene is thought to have built a resistance to chemotherapy, and has lost the ability to regulate the apoptosis of cells with mutated DNA.