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Developmental
Chordates
Retinoic Acid Signaling
Vitamin A-derived morphogen controlling anterior-posterior patterning.
Overview
Retinoic acid (RA) is synthesized from retinol by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases. RA binds nuclear RAR/RXR receptors on RA response elements (RAREs). RA gradients pattern the hindbrain, spinal cord, and limbs.
Cellular Location
Cytoplasm → nucleus
Clinical Significance
ATRA treats acute promyelocytic leukemia; retinoid dysregulation causes birth defects; retinoids used in dermatology.