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Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
Orphan nuclear receptors, PXR and LXR: new ligands and therapeutic potential
1University of Pittsburgh, Center for Pharmacogenetics, PA 15261, USA. wex6@pitt.edu
Abstract:
Found in almost all animal species, orphan nuclear receptors (NRs) represent a unique and pivotal resource to uncover new regulatory systems that impact on both health and human diseases. Some of the current marketed drugs are known to target orphan NRs. Examples include the anticancer and retinoic X receptor (RXR)-targeting bexarotene (Targretin, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) and the antidiabetic and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma-targeting thiaozolidinediones. Several studies presented at a recent conference (Orphan and Nuclear Receptors - New Therapeutic Developments) have provided new insights into several orphan NRs, including the pregnane X receptor (PXR), the liver X receptor (LXR), the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), PPAR and the RXR. This paper will focus on PXR and LXR, whose recent target gene analysis and ligand identification have raised both promises and practical concerns as to whether or not these receptors can be used as therapeutic targets.
Insights
Orphan nuclear receptors (NRs) are crucial for understanding health and disease. This review focuses on pregnane X receptor (PXR) and liver X receptor (LXR), exploring their therapeutic potential and challenges.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Orphan nuclear receptors (NRs) are vital regulators in animal species, influencing health and disease.
- Marketed drugs targeting NRs include bexarotene (anticancer, targeting retinoic X receptor) and thiazolidinediones (antidiabetic, targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma).
Framework:
- Recent conference insights highlighted several orphan NRs: pregnane X receptor (PXR), liver X receptor (LXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), and retinoic X receptor (RXR).
- This paper specifically examines PXR and LXR.
Implementation:
- Focus on PXR and LXR includes analysis of their target genes.
- Recent ligand identification for PXR and LXR has been performed.
Implications:
- The therapeutic targeting of PXR and LXR presents both significant promise and practical concerns.
- Further research is needed to determine the clinical viability of PXR and LXR as drug targets.
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