nuclear retinoic acid receptor binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a nuclear retinoic acid receptor, a ligand-regulated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. [GOC:jl, PMID:12476796]

Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors that are activated by retinoic acid (RA), a vitamin A derivative. RARs play a crucial role in regulating gene expression during embryonic development, cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. They act as ligand-dependent transcription factors, meaning their activity is modulated by the binding of RA.

Upon RA binding, RARs undergo a conformational change that allows them to dimerize with another nuclear receptor, the retinoid X receptor (RXR). This heterodimer then binds to specific DNA sequences called retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) located in the regulatory regions of target genes. Binding to RAREs initiates the recruitment of coactivator proteins, which in turn enhance the transcription of target genes.

The molecular function of RAR binding can be summarized as follows:

1. Ligand Binding: RA binds to the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of RAR, inducing a conformational change that activates the receptor.
2. Dimerization: Activated RARs dimerize with RXRs, forming a heterodimer.
3. DNA Binding: The RAR/RXR heterodimer binds to RAREs in the regulatory regions of target genes.
4. Coactivator Recruitment: Binding to RAREs recruits coactivator proteins, which enhance gene transcription.
5. Transcriptional Activation: The RAR/RXR/coactivator complex activates the transcription of target genes, leading to changes in cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis.

Therefore, RAR binding is a key step in the regulation of gene expression by RA, and it plays a critical role in various biological processes.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)