Liver X receptor alpha

Liver X receptor alpha (LXR-alpha) is a nuclear receptor protein that in humans is encoded by the NR1H3 gene (nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 3).

Expression

miRNA has-miR-613 autoregulates the human LXRα gene by targeting the endogenous LXRα through its specific miRNA response element (613MRE) within the LXRα 3′-untranslated region. LXRα autoregulates its own suppression via induction of SREBP1c which upregulates miRNA has-miR-613.

Function

The liver X receptors, LXRα (this protein) and LXRβ, form a subfamily of the nuclear receptor superfamily and are key regulators of macrophage function, controlling transcriptional programs involved in lipid homeostasis and inflammation. The inducible LXRα is highly expressed in liver, adrenal gland, intestine, adipose tissue, macrophages, lung, and kidney, whereas LXRβ is ubiquitously expressed. Ligand-activated LXRs form obligate heterodimers with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and regulate expression of target genes containing LXR response elements. Restoration of LXR-alpha expression/function within a psoriatic lesion may help to switch the transition from psoriatic to symptomless skin.

Interactions

Liver X receptor alpha has been shown to interact with EDF1 and Small heterodimer partner.

External links

• NR1H3 human gene location in the UCSC Genome Browser.
• NR1H3 human gene details in the UCSC Genome Browser.

This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.