Cited by 403Retinoids in leukemia and cellular processesPeroxisome Proliferator-Activated ReceptorsPsoriasis: Treatment and Pathogenesis

Retinoic acid receptors: From molecular mechanisms to cancer therapy

di Masi, Alessandra, Leboffe, Loris, De Marinis, Elisabetta, Pagano, Francesca, Cicconi, Laura, Rochette-Egly, Cécile, Lo-Coco, Francesco, Ascenzi, Paolo +1 more·2015·Molecular Aspects of Medicine

Abstract

Retinoic acid (RA), the major bioactive metabolite of retinol or vitamin A, induces a spectrum of pleiotropic effects in cell growth and differentiation that are relevant for embryonic development and adult physiology. The RA activity is mediated primarily by members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) subfamily, namely RARα, RARβ and RARγ, which belong to the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors. RARs form heterodimers with members of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) subfamily and act as ligand-regulated transcription factors through binding specific RA response elements (RAREs) located in target genes promoters. RARs also have non-genomic effects and activate kinase signaling pathways, which fine-tune the transcription of the RA target genes. The disruption of RA signaling pathways is thought to underlie the etiology of a number of hematological and non-hematological malignancies, including leukemias, skin cancer, head/neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of note, RA and its derivatives (retinoids) are employed as potential chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents because of their differentiation, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant effects. In humans, retinoids reverse premalignant epithelial lesions, induce the differentiation of myeloid normal and leukemic cells, and prevent lung, liver, and breast cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the RA and retinoid signaling pathways. Moreover, mechanisms through which deregulation of RA signaling pathways ultimately impact on cancer are examined. Finally, the therapeutic effects of retinoids are reported.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.mam.2014.12.003

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  • Several semi-synthetic and synthetic retinoids have been developed to decrease the toxicity of natural retinoids and to increase their stability and selectivity against a specific RAR subtype.

    “To decrease the toxicity of the natural retinoids as well as to increase their stability and selectivity against a specific RAR subtype, several semi-synthetic and synthetic retinoids (including “atypical retinoids”) have been developed29,30.”
  • At least four molecules have reached phase 4 clinical trials: bexarotene, tazarotene, adapalene, and trifarotene.

    “At least four molecules have reached phase 4 clinical trials: bexarotene, tazarotene, adapalene, and trifarotene29–31.”

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Authors
di Masi, A., Leboffe, L., De Marinis, E., Pagano, F., Cicconi, L., Rochette-Egly, C., Lo-Coco, F., Ascenzi, P., & Nervi, C.
Affiliations
  • Roma Tre University (IT)
  • Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
  • University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT)
Corresponding author
  • Ascenzi, Paolo
  • Nervi, Clara
Venue
Molecular Aspects of Medicine
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2015-02
Volume
41
Pages
1-115
ISSN
0098-2997 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2064402415
Cited by
403
References
1,342
Citations by year
2026: 20 · 2025: 33 · 2024: 50 · 2023: 32 · 2022: 44 · 2021: 42 · 2020: 41 · 2019: 41 · 2018: 31 · 2017: 24 · 2016: 30 · 2015: 12
FWCI
9.15
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Molecular Aspects of Medicine (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • HAL (submittedVersion)
  • Cineca Institutional Research Information System (Tor Vergata University) (submittedVersion)
  • IRIS Research product catalog (Sapienza University of Rome) (submittedVersion)
  • Iris (Roma Tre University) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • Italian Association for Cancer Research
  • Italian Foundation for Cancer Research (15142)
  • University of Roma “La Sapienza”
  • Fondazione Roma
  • CNRS
  • INSERM
  • Agence Nationale pour la Recherche (ANR-05-BLAN-0390-02, ANR-09-BLAN-0297-01)
  • Foundation pour la Recherche Medicale (DEQ20090515423)
  • Institut National du Cancer (INCa-PLO7-96099, PL09-194)
  • Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer (3169, SL220110603474)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Retinoids in leukemia and cellular processes
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Psoriasis: Treatment and Pathogenesis
Keywords
retinoic acid receptor, retinoic acid signaling, retinoid X receptor, nuclear receptor superfamily, transcriptional regulation, non-genomic signaling, retinoids, cancer therapy, chemoprevention, leukemia, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, differentiation therapy, apoptosis
MeSH terms
Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha, Retinoic Acid Receptor gamma, Animals, Antineoplastic Agents, Female, Humans, Male, Neoplasms, Tretinoin, Receptors, Retinoic Acid, Response Elements

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