Receptor for retinoic acid. Retinoic acid receptors bind as heterodimers to their target response elements in response to their ligands, all-trans or 9-cis retinoic acid, and regulate gene expression in various biological processes. The RXR/RAR heterodimers bind to the retinoic acid response elements (RARE) composed of tandem 5'-AGGTCA-3' sites known as DR1-DR5.

In the absence or presence of hormone ligand, acts mainly as an activator of gene expression due to weak binding to corepressors (PubMed:12554770). The RXRA/RARB heterodimer can act as a repressor on the DR1 element and as an activator on the DR5 element (PubMed:29021580). In concert with RARG, required for skeletal growth, matrix homeostasis and growth plate function (By similarity)

Homodimer (By similarity). Heterodimer; with a RXR molecule (By similarity). Binds DNA preferentially as a RAR/RXR heterodimer (By similarity).

Heterodimerizes (via NR LBD) with RXRA (PubMed:29021580). Interacts weakly with NCOR2 (PubMed:12554770)

Expressed in aortic endothelial cells (at protein level)

Composed of three domains: a modulating N-terminal domain, a DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal ligand-binding domain

The DNA-binding nuclear receptor domain and the NR LBD domain are required for binding of the RARB/RXRA heterodimer to both DR1 and DR5 DNA elements

• Microphthalmia, syndromic, 12 (MCOPS12)

  A form of microphthalmia, a disorder of eye formation, ranging from small size of a single eye to complete bilateral absence of ocular tissues (anophthalmia). In many cases, microphthalmia/anophthalmia occurs in association with syndromes that include non-ocular abnormalities. MCOPS12 patients manifest variable features, including diaphragmatic hernia, pulmonary hypoplasia, and cardiac abnormalities.