Identification of an endogenous ligand that activates pregnane X receptor-mediated sterol clearance.

ABSTRACT: The nuclear receptor PXR (pregnane X receptor) is a broad-specificity sensor that recognizes a wide variety of synthetic drugs and xenobiotic agents. On activation by these compounds, PXR coordinately induces a network of transporters, cytochrome P450 enzymes, and other genes that effectively clear xenobiotics from the liver and intestine. Like PXR, the majority of its target genes also possess a broad specificity for exogenous compounds. Thus, PXR is both a sensor and effector in a well integrated and generalized pathway for chemical immunity. Although it is clear that PXR responds to numerous foreign compounds, it is unclear whether it possesses an endogenous ligand. To address this issue, we noted that there is substantial overlap in the substrate specificities of PXR and its critical C

SUBMITTER: Dussault I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC298687 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature