What aspect of steroid hormones allows them to alter gene transcription?

Steroid hormones are unique among hormones because they are lipid-soluble, which allows them to easily cross the cell membrane of target cells. Once inside the cell, these hormones bind to specific intracellular receptors. This hormone-receptor complex then translocates to the nucleus of the cell, where it can interact directly with DNA. Such interactions lead to the regulation of gene transcription, either promoting or inhibiting the expression of certain genes, which ultimately affects protein production and cellular function.

This ability to cross the cell membrane is crucial because many other types of hormones, like peptide hormones, are water-soluble and cannot freely enter cells. Instead, they rely on cell surface receptors and secondary messenger systems to influence cellular activity. Additionally, aspects like the influence on neurotransmitter activity or rapid degradation in circulation do not directly correlate with the mechanisms by which steroid hormones perform their function in altering gene transcription.