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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Published on: June 21, 2016
Morphogenetic action of retinoids and estrogens
B van der Burg1, E Sonneveld, J G Lemmen
1Hubrecht Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Utrecht.
Retinoids and estrogens are nuclear receptors regulating gene transcription. This research explores their roles in vertebrate development and homeostasis, focusing on nuclear receptor signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Molecular Biology
- Gene Regulation and Signaling
Background:
- Retinoids and estrogens are lipophilic compounds crucial for vertebrate development, reproduction, and homeostasis.
- Both act as ligands for nuclear receptors, functioning as ligand-activatable transcription factors within the nuclear receptor gene superfamily.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological roles of retinoids and estrogens in vertebrate systems.
- To explore the functions of retinoid receptors (RARs/RXRs) and estrogen receptors (ERalpha/beta) during development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nuclear receptor gene superfamily members.
- Investigating ligand-binding and transcriptional regulation by retinoids and estrogens.
Main Results:
- Retinoids and their receptors (RARs/RXRs) are well-established regulators of early development and spermatogenesis.
- The developmental roles of estrogen receptors (ERalpha/beta) are less understood but are a focus of ongoing research.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear receptors, including those for retinoids and estrogens, are key regulators of fundamental biological processes.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the developmental functions of estrogen receptors.
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