The Year in Basic Science: nuclear receptors and coregulators

Abstract

This article highlights the most significant scientific achievements of June 2007 to June 2008 in nuclear receptors (NRs) and coregulators. These molecules are the subjects of nine studies in three key areas of endocrinology: molecular endocrinology, endocrine metabolism, and endocrine pathology. In each case, the relevant NR or coregulator was found to play an integral role in the study, whether in elucidating a formerly unknown pathway or in initiating or facilitating a disease process. As more NRs and coregulators are researched, more therapeutic approaches to human disease can potentially be developed.

Fig. 1.

Crystal Structure of a Full-Length NR (See Ref. 1 )

Fig. 2.

How ER and AR Locate Their Target Genes in Chromatin (2 ) DHT, Dihydrotestosterone; E2, 17β-estradiol.

Fig. 3.

ER-Mediated Transcription Occurs via a SRC-3-Dependent Ubiquitin Clock (3 ) HSP, Heat shock protein; Ub, ubiquitin.

Fig. 4.

A New Hormone, Heme, Regulates the 24-h Circadian Clock (4 5 ) HDAC, Histone deacetylase; N-CoR, nuclear receptor corepressor.

Fig. 5.

PGC-1α Enhances ERRα Induction of VEGF Gene Expression

Fig. 6.

PGC-1 and ERRα Collaborate to Regulate VEGF Production (6 )

Fig. 7.

An Endocrine Basis of Fasting and Energy Conservation (7 )

Fig. 8.

A New Molecular Mechanism for Orphan Receptor-Controlled Reproduction (8 ) E2, 17β-Estradiol; TRAP, thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein; TUNEL, terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling.

Fig. 9.

A Mechanism for Osteoclast-Induced Postmenopausal Osteoporosis