Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
Molecular mechanism of liver X receptors in cancer therapeutics
Qiang Wang1, Jing Wang1, Jiayou Wang1
1Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are receptors that belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily (NRs). It was originally called the "orphan receptor" when it was firstly discovered. Then it was found to be activated by oxysterol and it was officially named LXRs. LXRs are activated by ligands and bind to the retinol X receptor to form a heterodimer and regulate metabolism. Numerous studies have shown that LXRs are involved in regulating immune function and maintaining immune tolerance. Activating LXRs can also inhibit the tumorigenesis and promote apoptosis of tumor cells, which make LXRs as potential targets in cancer treatment. This review will discuss the recent progress of LXRs from the structure and function of LXRs, the signaling pathway of LXRs, the molecular mechanism of LXRs activation in cancers, and the potential targets of LXRs in cancer therapy.
Insights
Liver X receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors regulating metabolism and immune function. Activating LXRs shows potential in cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor growth and promoting cancer cell death.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Liver X receptors (LXRs) are part of the nuclear receptor superfamily.
- Initially termed 'orphan receptors', LXRs are activated by oxysterols.
- LXRs form heterodimers with Retinol X Receptors to regulate cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding Liver X receptors (LXRs).
- To explore the role of LXRs in cancer, including their structure, function, and signaling pathways.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting LXRs in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on LXRs.
- Analysis of LXR structure, function, and signaling pathways.
- Investigation of LXR activation mechanisms in cancer.
Main Results:
- LXRs play a role in immune function and immune tolerance.
- Activation of LXRs inhibits tumorigenesis and induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
- LXRs represent promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy.
Conclusions:
- LXRs are crucial regulators of metabolism and immunity.
- Targeting LXRs offers a potential strategy for cancer treatment.
- Further research into LXR activation mechanisms can advance cancer therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
lncRNA - Long Non-coding RNAs
Signal Transduction: Overview
Typically, signal transduction involves three...

