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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

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Exploring Sequence Space to Identify Binding Sites for Regulatory RNA-Binding Proteins
Published on: August 9, 2019
Target gene identification via nuclear receptor binding site prediction
1Discovery Informatics, Lilly Research Labs, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA. gvarga@lilly.com
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|September 10, 2010
Summary
Identifying direct target genes for nuclear receptors is challenging. New computational and experimental methods offer insights into nuclear receptor pathways, improving understanding of metabolism and disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nuclear receptors are crucial regulators of gene expression.
- Identifying their direct target genes is essential for understanding cellular functions.
- Current methods have limitations in comprehensively mapping these targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review integrated computational and experimental methods for identifying nuclear receptor target genes.
- To provide insights into the complex regulatory networks governed by nuclear receptors.
- To enhance the understanding of nuclear receptor roles in physiology and pathology.
Main Methods:
- Review of advanced computational approaches.
- Integration with high-throughput experimental techniques.
- Analysis of gene regulatory network data.
Main Results:
- The integrated approach offers a more complete picture of nuclear receptor direct targets.
- Insights into the intricate regulatory pathways mediated by nuclear receptors.
- Improved understanding of fundamental biological processes.
Conclusions:
- The reviewed methods are vital for advancing nuclear receptor research.
- This integrated strategy is expected to significantly improve the understanding of metabolism, development, and homeostasis.
- Further application of these methods will elucidate the pathology associated with nuclear receptor dysfunction.
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Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
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