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Updated: May 25, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
[Advances in the research of pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor]
Bing-fang Hu1, Hui-chang Bi, Min Huang
1Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Abstract:
Nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are originally characterized as transcription factors regulating many target genes. Recent works have revealed that these nuclear receptors play critical roles in regulating genes that encode drug metabolism enzymes and modulating hepatic energy metabolism, such as down-regulating gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and ketogenesis, as well as up-regulating lipogenesis. Studies on PXR and CAR have important implication on drug-drug interaction (DDI) and potential disease treatment targets.
Insights
Nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) regulate drug metabolism and hepatic energy. Their roles in lipogenesis and down-regulating gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and ketogenesis have implications for drug interactions and disease treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nuclear receptors pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) are known transcription factors.
- Recent research highlights their roles beyond basic gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of PXR and CAR in regulating hepatic energy metabolism.
- To understand the implications of PXR and CAR in drug metabolism and drug-drug interactions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of gene expression related to drug metabolism and energy pathways.
- Investigating the regulatory functions of PXR and CAR in cellular models.
Main Results:
- PXR and CAR modulate genes encoding drug metabolism enzymes.
- These receptors influence hepatic energy metabolism by down-regulating gluconeogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and ketogenesis.
- They also up-regulate lipogenesis.
Conclusions:
- PXR and CAR are key regulators of hepatic energy homeostasis.
- Understanding PXR and CAR functions is crucial for predicting drug-drug interactions.
- These receptors represent potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
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