Myc Activators

Retinoid receptors are critical mediators of the biological effects of retinoic acid, influencing various cellular processes including differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. They belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily and include retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), both of which can heterodimerize and bind to retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) in the DNA to regulate gene expression. Myc is a gene that is subject to regulation by these receptors, and its expression can be either upregulated or downregulated by retinoids depending on the context.

In the process of cell differentiation, particularly in cells of the hematopoietic and neural lineages, retinoid receptors typically act to decrease Myc expression. This downregulation is often associated with the induction of differentiation and the inhibition of cell proliferation. Conversely, during apoptosis, retinoic acid may influence Myc expression differently. It could either promote or inhibit Myc expression, depending on the balance of signals in the apoptotic pathways that are active in the cell. Thus, retinoic acid, through its interactions with retinoid receptors, has a complex and context-dependent impact on Myc expression that is integral to its role in controlling cell fate.