Retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and Retinoid X receptor (RXR) families; also, Stimulated by Retinoic Acid 6 (STRA6) membrane receptor (RAR, RXR, STRA6)

The vitamin A receptor pathway comprises extracellular retinol uptake, membrane transport, and nuclear signaling. Key membrane transport is mediated by STRA6, which binds the holo-retinol binding protein (RBP-ROH) to transfer retinol into the cell and trigger intracellular signaling via the JAK/STAT pathway. In the nucleus, vitamin A derivatives (retinoic acids) are ligands for the nuclear receptors RAR and RXR, which heterodimerize, bind to specific DNA response elements (RARE/RXRE), and regulate transcription of target genes involved in development, differentiation, metabolism, and homeostasis. Disruption or abnormal activation of these pathways is implicated in malignancy, developmental abnormalities, and metabolic diseases.

Other names

Retinoic acid receptorRetinoid X receptorSTRA6Vitamin A receptor (informal, not standard)

Ligand binding to nuclear receptors (RAR/RXR), leading to heterodimer formation, DNA binding (RARE/RXRE), and modulation of gene transcription; Agonism of membrane receptor STRA6, triggering JAK/STAT pathway activation and cellular vitamin A uptake