RXRB encodes a member of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) family of nuclear receptors which are involved in mediating the effects of retinoic acid (RA). This receptor forms homodimers with the retinoic acid, thyroid hormone, and vitamin D receptors, increasing both DNA binding and transcriptional function on their respective response elements. The gene lies within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II region on chromosome 6. An alternatively spliced transcript variant has been described, but its full length sequence has not been determined. [provided by RefSeq]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
Retinoid X receptors (RXR) are members of the NR2B family of nuclear receptors and are common binding partners to many other nuclear receptors, including PPARs, liver X receptors (LXRs) and vitamin D receptors (VDR). RXR heterodimers act as ligand-dependent transcriptional regulators and increase the DNA-binding efficiency of its partner. Despite numerous studies, the physiological role of RXRs have yet to been fully elucidated and, as they can also exist as homodimers, there is the possibility that an independent RXR signaling pathway exists. There are three RXR subtypes; RXRalpha, RXRbeta and RXRgamma, each with two major isoforms (1 and 2). RXRalpha is expressed in the liver, kidney, epidermis and intestine, RXRbeta is widely distributed and RXRgamma is restricted to muscle, pituitary gland and certain parts of the brain.