RXRs: collegial partners

Subcell Biochem. 2014:70:75-102. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-9050-5_5.

Abstract

Retinoid X Receptors (RXR) were initially identified as nuclear receptors binding with stereo-selectivity the vitamin A derivative 9-cis retinoic acid, although the relevance of this molecule as endogenous activator of RXRs is still elusive. Importantly, within the nuclear receptor superfamily, RXRs occupy a peculiar place, as they are obligatory partners for a number of other nuclear receptors, thus integrating the corresponding signaling pathways. In this chapter, we describe the structural features allowing RXR to form homo- and heterodimers, and the functional consequences of this unique ability. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of studying RXR activity at a genome-wide level in order to comprehensively address the biological implications of their action that is fundamental to understand to what extent RXRs could be exploited as new therapeutic targets.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alitretinoin
  • Animals
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Mice
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / genetics
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid / metabolism*
  • Response Elements
  • Retinoid X Receptors / genetics
  • Retinoid X Receptors / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tretinoin / chemistry
  • Tretinoin / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Receptors, Retinoic Acid
  • Retinoid X Receptors
  • Alitretinoin
  • Tretinoin