Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026

Application of Retinoic Acid to Obtain Osteocytes Cultures from Primary Mouse Osteoblasts
Published on: May 13, 2014
The multi-faceted role of retinoid X receptor in bone remodeling
María P Menéndez-Gutiérrez1, Mercedes Ricote2
1Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) form a unique subclass within the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors. RXRs are obligatory partners for a number of other NRs, placing RXRs in a coordinating role at the crossroads of multiple signaling pathways. In addition, RXRs can function as self-sufficient homodimers. Recent advances have revealed RXRs as novel regulators of osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling. This review outlines the versatility of RXR action in the control of transcription of bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts, both through heterodimerization with other NRs and through RXR homodimerization. RXR signaling is currently a major therapeutic target and, therefore, knowledge of how RXR signaling affects bone remodeling creates enormous potential for the translation of basic research findings into successful clinical therapies to increase bone mass and improve bone quality.
Insights
Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) regulate bone remodeling by controlling osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Understanding RXR signaling offers therapeutic potential for increasing bone mass and quality.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
- Bone Biology
Background:
- Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) are nuclear receptors crucial for gene transcription.
- RXRs act as essential partners for other nuclear receptors and can form homodimers.
- Recent research highlights RXRs' role in regulating osteoclastogenesis and bone remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse functions of RXR signaling in bone metabolism.
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which RXRs control osteoblast and osteoclast activity.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting RXR signaling for bone health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Retinoid X receptors and bone remodeling.
- Analysis of RXR heterodimerization and homodimerization in transcriptional regulation.
- Examination of RXR's impact on osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and function.
Main Results:
- RXRs modulate the transcription of genes involved in both bone formation and resorption.
- Both heterodimerization with other nuclear receptors and RXR homodimerization are key to RXR's function in bone.
- RXRs are identified as critical regulators of osteoclastogenesis and overall bone remodeling.
Conclusions:
- RXR signaling plays a versatile and critical role in regulating bone remodeling processes.
- Targeting RXR pathways presents a promising therapeutic strategy for enhancing bone mass and quality.
- Further research into RXR mechanisms can translate into effective clinical treatments for bone diseases.
More Related Videos
09:37A RANKL-based Osteoclast Culture Assay of Mouse Bone Marrow to Investigate the Role of mTORC1 in Osteoclast Formation
Published on: March 15, 2018
05:03Author Spotlight: Investigating Physiological Functions of Vitamin A Transporters Using HPLC-Based Vitamin A Profiling
Published on: December 27, 2024
Related Concept Videos
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Bone Remodeling
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway