Retinoic Acid receptors (Nuclear class 1B, RARs, α, β, γ) are nuclear receptors related to the steroid and thyroid hormone receptors, a family of proteins that function as ligand-dependent transcription factors. The RARs show spatially restricted distribution patterns during embryogenesis, which have led to speculation on a variety of roles for retinoic acid (RA) in developmental processes. These receptors are retained in the nucleus regardless of the ligand binding status and in addition bind as hetero-dimers (usually with RXR) to DNA. RAR/RXR heterodimers regulate the transcriptional activation of primary RA target genes through binding to DNA-response elements termed RA response elements (RAREs)[1].

Retinoic acid receptors listed: RAR, RXR