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Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Prediction and Validation of Gene Regulatory Elements Activated During Retinoic Acid Induced Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation
Published on: June 21, 2016
Retinoic acid enhances the gene expression of human polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) by TNF-alpha
N Takenouchi-Ohkubo1, M Asano, H Chihaya
1Department of Pathology, Nihon University, School of Dentistry, Tokyo, Japan. takenouchi@dent.nihon-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
In this study, the detailed mechanisms for the effects of vitamin A on the expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) were examined. Expression of the pIgR by tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) was enhanced by the addition of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or 9-cis retinoic acid (9CRA). This enhancement was mediated mainly by RARalpha, and regulated at the transcriptional level. Transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding and activation were not influenced by addition of ATRA. These data imply that RA, in combination with TNF-alpha, could up-regulate the expression of pIgR. In addition, we hypothesize that up-regulation of pIgR by RA is controlled through the RAR-dependent signalling pathway and that it plays a role in enhancement of mucosal immunity.
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