Chemical genomics: functional analysis of orphan nuclear receptors in the regulation of bile acid metabolism.
Chemical genomics is the name we have given to the analysis of gene function through use of small molecule chemical tools. Orphan nuclear receptors are ideally suited to this technique of functional analysis, since their activity as transcription factors is regulated by small hydrophobic ligands. GW4064 is a potent and selective nonsteroidal ligand for the nuclear bile acid receptor FXR (NR1H4). Using GW4064 as a chemical tool, we have identified genes regulated by FXR in the liver, including those involved in bile acid synthesis and transport. We have also discovered that PXR (NR1I2) is a lithocholic acid receptor that controls the biosynthesis and metabolism of bile acids. Together FXR and PXR cooperate to control biliary and urinary bile acid excretion. These functions suggest that potent PXR and FXR ligands may offer a new approach to the treatment of cholestatic liver disease.
Willson
T M
TM
Nuclear Receptor Discovery Research, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, Raleigh, North Carolina 27709, USA. tmw20653@gsk.com
Jones
S A
SA
Moore
J T
JT
Kliewer
S A
SA
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism*; D002780:Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / Q000188:drug therapy; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D016678:Genome; D006801:Humans; D000077297:Pregnane X Receptor; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011987:Receptors, Steroid / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000819:agonists / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000099150:Receptor, Farnesoid X-Activated
D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D000077297:Pregnane X Receptor; D018160:Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; D011987:Receptors, Steroid; D014157:Transcription Factors; D000099150:Receptor, Farnesoid X-Activated; C000625852:NR1I2 protein, human