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Quantitative Analysis of Dietary Vitamin A Metabolites in Murine Ocular and Non-Ocular Tissues Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
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Retinoids, retinoic acid receptors, and cancer

Xiao-Han Tang1, Lorraine J Gudas

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065, USA.

Annual Review of Pathology
|November 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, promote stem cell differentiation and are crucial in cancer prevention and treatment. Overcoming delivery challenges and resistance with epigenetic drugs enhances retinoid cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Retinoids, including vitamin A and all-trans retinoic acid, are signaling molecules that induce stem cell differentiation.
  • Nuclear retinoic acid receptors mediate many, but not all, retinoid effects.
  • Compromised retinoid signaling is observed early in carcinogenesis, suggesting its role in tumor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of retinoids in stem cell differentiation and cancer.
  • To investigate the interaction of retinoids with other signaling pathways, such as estrogen signaling in breast cancer.
  • To address challenges in retinoid delivery and resistance for effective cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on retinoid signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of retinoid interactions with cancer cell signaling.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies involving retinoids and epigenetic modulators.

Main Results:

  • Retinoids induce differentiation and inhibit proliferation, supporting their use in cancer treatment.
  • Retinoid signaling is frequently impaired during early stages of cancer development.
  • Drug delivery and acquired retinoid resistance are significant obstacles in retinoid-based cancer therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Retinoids are vital for stem cell differentiation and hold promise for cancer prevention and treatment.
  • Combination therapies involving retinoids, epigenetic drugs (DNMT and HDAC inhibitors), and chemotherapy are essential for successful cancer treatment.
  • Further research into retinoid delivery and overcoming resistance is critical for maximizing therapeutic benefits.

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