retinoid binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a retinoid, a class of isoprenoids that contain or are derived from four prenyl groups linked head-to-tail. Retinoids include retinol and retinal and structurally similar natural derivatives or synthetic compounds, but need not have vitamin A activity. [GOC:jl, ISBN:0198506732]

Retinoid binding is a molecular function that involves the interaction of proteins with retinoids, a class of compounds derived from vitamin A. Retinoids play crucial roles in various biological processes, including vision, cell growth and differentiation, and immune function. The binding of retinoids to their specific receptors initiates a cascade of events that ultimately regulate gene expression. This process involves the following steps: 1) Retinoid binding to the receptor: Retinoids bind to specific nuclear receptors known as retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs). These receptors are transcription factors, meaning they regulate the expression of specific genes. 2) Receptor dimerization: Upon retinoid binding, the receptor undergoes a conformational change that allows it to dimerize with another receptor molecule. This dimerization is essential for the receptor's ability to bind to DNA. 3) DNA binding: The dimerized receptor then binds to specific DNA sequences called retinoid response elements (RAREs) located in the regulatory regions of target genes. 4) Transcriptional regulation: By binding to RAREs, the receptor can either activate or repress the transcription of target genes. This regulation of gene expression is crucial for the diverse biological functions of retinoids.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (7)