Retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha (RXRA)

Retinoic acid receptor RXR-alpha (RXRA) is a nuclear receptor protein that functions as a ligand-dependent transcription factor. It mediates the biological effects of retinoids by regulating gene expression in response to its ligands, primarily 9-cis retinoic acid and all-trans retinoic acid. RXRA forms homodimers or heterodimers with other nuclear receptors such as RARs, PPARs, LXRs, and VDRs to regulate target gene transcription. It is involved in cell differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and other biological processes. Dysregulation of RXRA is associated with various diseases.

Other names

Retinoid X receptor alphaNR2B1Nuclear receptor subfamily 2, group B, member 1

Ligand-dependent transcription factor; forms homo- or heterodimers with other nuclear receptors (RARs, PPARs, LXRs, VDRs) to regulate gene expression by binding to response elements in the promoter region of target genes. In the absence of ligand, RXR-RAR heterodimers recruit corepressors that induce histone deacetylation and chromatin condensation, leading to suppression of gene expression. Upon ligand binding, these corepressors are released and coactivators are recruited for activation of target genes.