Liver x receptor alpha

The Liver X receptor alpha (LXR-alpha) is a nuclear receptor protein encoded by the NRH3 gene (nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 3) (Miyata KS et al. 1996).

The liver X-receptors LXRα and LXRß form a subfamily of the "nuclear receptor superfamily" and are key regulators of macrophage function. They control transcription programs involved in lipid homeostasis and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, LXRα and LXRß play an important role in the local activation of thyroid hormones via deodinases.

LXRα is massively expressed in liver, further on in adrenal gland, intestine, fat tissue, macrophages, lung and kidney, whereas LXRß is expressed ubiquitously.

Ligand activated LXRs form obligate heterodimers with retinoid X receptors(RXR) and regulate the expression of target genes containing LXR response elements. Restoration of LXR-alpha expression / function within a psoriatic lesion can actively lead to its healing (Gupta DS et al. 2010).

1. Gupta DS et al (2010) "Psoriasis: crucial role of LXR-alpha RNomics". Genes and Immunity 11: 37-44.
2. Miyata KS et al (1996) "The orphan nuclear hormone receptor LXR alpha interacts with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and inhibits peroxisome proliferator signaling". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 271: 9189–9192.