[H-3] 9-cis retinoic acid

9-cis retinoic acid is an agonist (activator) for both the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and the retinoid X receptors (RXR). It is synthesized from vitamin A and is, therefore, an endogenous vitamin A derivative.

By binding to the receptor's ligand-binding domain. That induces a conformational change in the receptor promoting the dissociation of co-repressors and recruiting co-activators. This triggers the formation of homo- and heterodimers of RXRs.

9-cis retinoic acid is a high-affinity agonist for the two receptor families Retinoic acid Receptors (RARs) and Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs). By binding to those two receptor groups it regulates and governs gene expression and, therefore, cell differentiation, apoptosis and gene transcription.

The difference between 9-cis retinoic acid and all-trans retinoic acid is that 9-cis retinoic acid binds both RXRs and RARs while all-trans retinoic acid binds only to RARs.

9-cis retinoic acid and RXR regulate gene expression via the formation of homo- or heterodimers which bind to the DNA and promote cellular development, differentiation and metabolism.

9-cis retinoic acid is widely used in stem cell and developmental biology research as it directs cellular differentiation, regulates stem cell lineage plasticity and model organogenesis.

Yes, 9-cis retinoic acid and other retinoids are used in medicine. 9-cis retinoic acid is used in a topical gel to treat cutaneous lesions in patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma as well as in cancer research for its potential role of stopping tumor growth and inducing cellular differentiation.