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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Real Time Monitoring of Intracellular Bile Acid Dynamics Using a Genetically Encoded FRET-based Bile Acid Sensor
Published on: January 4, 2016
FXR: a metabolic regulator and cell protector
Yan-Dong Wang1, Wei-Dong Chen, David D Moore
1Department of Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Abstract:
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. As a metabolic regulator, FXR plays key roles in bile acid, cholesterol, lipid, and glucose metabolism. Therefore, FXR is a potential drug target for a number of metabolic disorders, especially those related to the metabolic syndrome. More recently, our group and others have extended the functions of FXR to more than metabolic regulation, which include anti-bacterial growth in intestine, liver regeneration, and hepatocarcinogenesis. These new findings suggest that FXR has much broader roles than previously thought, and also highlight FXR as a drug target for multiple diseases. This review summarizes the basic information of FXR but focuses on its new functions.
Insights
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates metabolism and has newly discovered roles in gut health and liver disease. These findings highlight FXR as a promising therapeutic target for various conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor controlling bile acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism.
- FXR is implicated in metabolic syndrome and related disorders.
- FXR is a validated drug target for metabolic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the established metabolic regulatory functions of FXR.
- To highlight recently discovered non-metabolic roles of FXR.
- To underscore FXR's expanded therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of FXR research.
- Analysis of studies on FXR's role in metabolism.
- Examination of emerging research on FXR's broader functions.
Main Results:
- FXR is a central regulator of bile acid homeostasis and lipid metabolism.
- Emerging evidence shows FXR influences intestinal antibacterial defense.
- FXR plays significant roles in liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- FXR's functions extend beyond metabolic regulation.
- FXR is a versatile therapeutic target for metabolic and other diseases.
- Further research into FXR's diverse roles is warranted.
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