All-Trans Retinoic Acid

All-Trans Retinoic Acid is a derivative of Vitamin A that functions as a ligand for the retinoic acid receptor (RAR, IC₅₀ = 14 nM). RARs heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and bind to retinoic acid response elements (RAREs) in DNA and act as transcription factors, altering gene expression. (Apfel et al., Chambon)

DIFFERENTIATION

• Promotes differentiation of motor neurons from mouse and human pluripotent stem cells (Dimos et al., Wichterle et al.).
• Promotes differentiation of neurons from neural stem cells (Takahashi et al.).
• Promotes differentiation of pancreatic progenitors from human embryonic stem (ES) cells (D'Amour et al.).
• Promotes differentiation of adipocytes from mouse ES cells (Dani et al.).
• Promotes differentiation of ventricular cardiomyocytes from mouse ES cells (Wobus et al.).
• Promotes terminal differentiation of granulocytes (Collins).

CANCER RESEARCH

• Promotes maturation of blast cells in differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia (Huang et al.).