Molecular Classification
Nuclear Receptor, Nuclear hormone receptor, Nuclear xenosensor receptor, Transcription factor
Other Names
NR1I3
Disease Roles
Drug toxicityMetabolic diseasesDiabetes

Constitutive Androstane Receptor Overview

The Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), encoded by the NR1I3 gene, is a nuclear receptor that functions as a sensor for both endogenous substances (endobiotics) and foreign compounds (xenobiotics). It is constitutively active and regulates the transcription of genes involved in drug metabolism, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and other physiological processes. CAR is primarily expressed in the liver but also found in the kidneys, intestines, and stomach. Its activation, either directly by ligands or indirectly via signaling pathways, leads to its translocation to the nucleus where it modulates gene expression, impacting drug disposition, toxicity, and metabolic regulation. CAR is implicated in diseases such as diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer, making it a potential therapeutic target.

Mechanism of Action

Agonist or inverse agonist binding regulates transcription of target genes involved in drug metabolism, glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and other pathways.

Biological Functions

Xenobiotic sensing
Endobiotic sensing
Transcriptional regulation
Drug metabolism
Glucose homeostasis regulation
Lipid metabolism regulation
Bile acid synthesis regulation
Cell proliferation
Tissue regeneration

Disease Associations

Drug toxicity
Metabolic diseases
Diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Cancer

Safety Considerations

  • Drug interactions due to altered drug metabolism
  • Potential species-specific responses
  • Side effects due to broad physiological roles

Interacting Drugs

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
CITCO
Androstenol
Androstanol
Clotrimazole
T0901317
Phenobarbital

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
CAR activity as biomarker of toxicity
CAR activity as biomarker of drug interactions