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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
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Published on: June 14, 2021
Retinoids in myelopoiesis
1Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. peter.gaines@yale.edu
Summary
Retinoic acid is crucial for neutrophil development, acting via retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha). This pathway
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Hematology
Background:
- Retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative, is essential for myeloid progenitor differentiation into neutrophils.
- Retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARalpha) mediates this process by binding retinoic acid and regulating gene expression.
- Disruption of RARalpha is a hallmark of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), highlighting its significance in myelopoiesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms of retinoic acid signaling in neutrophil development.
- To discuss the dual role of RARalpha as a transcriptional repressor and activator.
- To identify newly discovered targets of the retinoic acid signaling pathway.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing biochemical and molecular biology literature.
- Analysis of gene expression data related to retinoic acid signaling.
- Examination of the role of transcription corepressors and coactivators.
Main Results:
- Retinoic acid binding to RARalpha modulates gene expression through specific response elements.
- RARalpha functions as a repressor in the absence of ligand and an activator in its presence.
- Multiple downstream targets and regulatory complexes are involved in this pathway.
Conclusions:
- Retinoic acid signaling via RARalpha is a key regulator of neutrophil differentiation.
- Understanding these mechanisms is critical for APL and other myeloid disorders.
- Further research into RARalpha targets will elucidate its comprehensive role in hematopoiesis.
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