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Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 16, 2013
Drug-activated nuclear receptors CAR and PXR
Paavo Honkakoski1, Tatsuya Sueyoshi, Masahiko Negishi
1Department of Pharmaceutics, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract:
The metabolism and elimination of drugs is mainly mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, aided by conjugative enzymes and transport proteins. An integral aspect of this elimination process is the induction of drug metabolism through activation of gene expression of metabolic and transport proteins. There is compelling evidence that induction is regulated by drug-activated nuclear receptors constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). This review outlines the basic properties of CAR and PXR, their ligands and target genes, and the mechanisms of the induction process. The implications of nuclear receptor-mediated induction for drug research are also discussed.
Insights
Drug metabolism and elimination involve cytochrome P450 enzymes, regulated by nuclear receptors like constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Understanding this induction is key for drug research and development.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Drug metabolism and elimination are primarily mediated by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, conjugative enzymes, and transport proteins.
- Induction of drug metabolism, through gene expression activation, is a critical aspect of drug elimination.
- Nuclear receptors, specifically constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR), are known regulators of this induction process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental properties of CAR and PXR, including their ligands and target genes.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying drug metabolism induction mediated by these nuclear receptors.
- To discuss the implications of nuclear receptor-mediated induction for the field of drug research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the roles of CAR and PXR in drug metabolism.
- Analysis of existing data on nuclear receptor activation, gene expression, and drug response.
- Synthesis of information regarding the molecular mechanisms of induction.
Main Results:
- CAR and PXR are key drug-activated nuclear receptors that regulate the expression of genes involved in drug metabolism and transport.
- These receptors bind to specific ligands and activate downstream signaling pathways leading to increased metabolic enzyme activity.
- The induction process mediated by CAR and PXR significantly influences drug efficacy and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Nuclear receptors CAR and PXR play a pivotal role in the induction of drug metabolism.
- Understanding the mechanisms of CAR/PXR-mediated induction is essential for optimizing drug therapy and minimizing adverse drug reactions.
- This knowledge has significant implications for drug discovery, development, and personalized medicine.
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