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Updated: May 2, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
REV-ERB and ROR nuclear receptors as drug targets
Douglas J Kojetin1, Thomas P Burris2
1Department of Molecular Therapeutics, The Scripps Research Institute, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA.
Abstract:
The nuclear receptors REV-ERB (consisting of REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ) and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs; consisting of RORα, RORβ and RORγ) are involved in many physiological processes, including regulation of metabolism, development and immunity as well as the circadian rhythm. The recent characterization of endogenous ligands for these former orphan nuclear receptors has stimulated the development of synthetic ligands and opened up the possibility of targeting these receptors to treat several diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity and cancer. This Review focuses on the latest developments in ROR and REV-ERB pharmacology indicating that these nuclear receptors are druggable targets and that ligands targeting these receptors may be useful in the treatment of several disorders.
Insights
Nuclear receptors REV-ERB (REV-ERBα/β) and RORs (RORα/β/γ) regulate key physiological processes. Targeting these receptors with novel synthetic ligands shows promise for treating metabolic, inflammatory, and cancerous diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Nuclear receptors REV-ERB (REV-ERBα/β) and RORs (RORα/β/γ) are crucial regulators of metabolism, development, immunity, and circadian rhythms.
- These receptors were initially termed 'orphan' due to the lack of identified endogenous ligands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest advancements in the pharmacology of ROR and REV-ERB nuclear receptors.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting these receptors for various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent developments in ROR and REV-ERB research.
- Analysis of studies on endogenous and synthetic ligand characterization.
- Evaluation of pharmacological data and therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- Endogenous ligands for RORs and REV-ERBs have been identified, validating them as druggable targets.
- Development of synthetic ligands has accelerated, showing therapeutic potential.
- ROR and REV-ERB targeting is being explored for diseases like diabetes, atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Conclusions:
- ROR and REV-ERB nuclear receptors are validated as druggable targets.
- Pharmacological targeting of RORs and REV-ERBs offers a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple disorders.
- Further research into ROR and REV-ERB ligands could lead to novel treatments.
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