Liver X Receptor Alpha (LXRα)

Liver X Receptor Alpha (LXRα), encoded by the NR1H3 gene, is a ligand-activated nuclear receptor and transcription factor belonging to the liver X receptor (LXR) family. It plays a central role in cholesterol homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. LXRα is activated by oxysterols and synthetic agonists, forming heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) to regulate the transcription of genes involved in cholesterol efflux, bile acid synthesis, and fatty acid metabolism. It is highly expressed in liver, adrenal gland, intestine, adipose tissue, macrophages, lung, and kidney. Pharmacological targeting has been explored for metabolic diseases like atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as inflammatory conditions. It modulates immune responses and may have therapeutic potential for skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Other names

NR1H3Nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 3

Ligand-activated transcription factor; heterodimerizes with RXR and binds to LXREs to regulate gene expression.