Abstract
Retmoid is defined as biological isosters of vitamin A acid (all-trans-retmoic acid, ATRA), and acts as internal hormone that regulates a number of biological functions, such as cell differentiation, proliferation and embryonic development in vertebrates. The pleiotropic activities of retinoids are mediated by binding to and activating two classes of nuclear receptors, retinoic acid receptors (RAR α, β, γ) and retmoid X receptors (RXR α, β, γ), both of which belong to the steroid/thyroid hormone nuclear receptor superfamily, and are hgand-mducible transcription factors. We have designed and synthesized several kinds of novel RAR- or RXR-selective agonists / antagonists. This review summarizes recent advances in the structures, biological functions, and possible clinical use of our synthetic RARs and RXRs hgands.
