Learn Glossary biochemistry

Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR)

Nuclear receptor family (RARα, RARβ, RARγ) that, after binding all-trans retinoic acid, heterodimerizes with RXR and regulates transcription of genes controlling development, immunity, and epithelial differentiation.

Also: RAR, RARα, RARβ, RARγ

RAR-RXR heterodimers bind retinoic acid response elements (RAREs). RARα is the target of all-trans retinoic acid therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML-RARα fusion). RAR signaling underlies vitamin A's roles in vision (separately, through 11-cis retinal and opsins), embryonic patterning, mucosal immunity (Treg induction, IgA class switching), and squamous-to-mucosal epithelial differentiation.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed.Ch 17: Vitamin A

    RAR-RXR heterodimers bind retinoic acid response elements (RAREs). RARα is the target of all-trans retinoic acid therapy in acute promyelocytic leukemia (PML-RARα fusion). RAR signaling underlies vitamin A's roles in vision (separately, through 11-cis retinal and opsins), embryonic patterning, mucosal immunity (Treg induction, IgA class switching), and squamous-to-mucosal epithelial differentiation.

Related terms

RXR, Retinol, Vitamin A