The role of vitamin A in living organisms has been known throughout human history. In the last 100 years, the biochemical nature of vitamin A and its active derivative, retinoic acid, its physiological impact on growth processes, and the essential details of its mechanism of action have been revealed by investigations carried out by researchers using vertebrate and more recently invertebrate models to study a multiplicity of processes and conditions, encompassing embryogenesis, postnatal development to old age. A wealth of intercellular interactions, intracellular signaling systems, and molecular mechanisms have been described and the overall conclusion is that retinoic acid is essential for life. This book series, with chapters authored by experts in every aspect of this complex field, unifies the knowledge base and mechanisms currently known in detailed, engaging, well-illustrated, focused chapters that synthesize information for each specific area. In view of the recent information explosion in this field, it is timely to publish a contemporary, comprehensive, book series recapitulating the most exciting developments in the field and covering fundamental research in molecular mechanisms of vitamin A action, its role in physiology, development, and continued well-being, and the potential of vitamin A derivatives and synthetic mimetics to serve as therapeutic treatments for cancers and other debilitating human diseases. Volume II is divided into nine chapters contributed by prominent experts in their respective fields. Each chapter starts with the history of the area of research. Then, the key findings that contributed to development of the field are described, followed by a detailed look at key findings and progress that are being made in current, ongoing research. Each chapter is concluded with a discussion of the relevance of the research and a perspective on missing pieces and lingering gaps that the author recommends will be important in defining future directions in vitamin A research.

This book covers subjects that have major impacts on society, such as the mechanism of maternal-fetal transfer of vitamin A, and the effects of alcohol on retinoic acid signaling and mammalian embryonic development. There has been an awareness of the importance of consuming vitamins throughout human history, but empirical studies of their physiological role and mode of action only began about 150 years ago. Since then, the biochemical nature of vitamin A and its active derivative, retinoic acid, have been identified and researchers around the globe have investigated retinoic acid’s physiological function in growth processes and in maintaining life Written by leading experts, this book discusses the latest findings and advances in retinoic acid research. It addresses topics such as the role of retinoic acid signaling in a multitude of processes, including limb, heart and respiratory system development, as well as its role in maintaining postnatal organ systems. This book is a valuable resource for scientists involved in vitamin A/retinoic acid research and readers interested in developmental biology.

Retinoid Signaling Pathways, Volume 637, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Sections in this release include The chemistry and biochemistry of Vitamin A and its natural derivative, Biosynthesis of retinoic acids, Biodegration of retinoic acids mediated by retinoid binding proteins, Retinoic acid homeostasis, Cryo Electron Microscopy to study retinol update via the STRA6 receptor, Immuno-detection of retinoic acid synthesis enzymes in the brain, classical pathway of gene regulation by retinoids, Protein-protein interactions in the regulation of retinoid acid receptors activity, and much more. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series Includes the latest information on retinoid signaling pathways

The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease provides an overview and synthesis of the retinoid molecules, from basic biology to mechanisms of diseases and therapy. Divided into five sections, the book covers retinoic acid signaling from biochemical, genetic, developmental, and clinical perspectives. The text is divided into five sections, the first of which examines vitamin A metabolic and enzymatic pathways. Focus then shifts to the role of retinoic acid signaling in development, and then to retinoids and physiological function. The book concludes with chapters on retinoids, disease and therapy. Comprehensive in scope and written by leading researchers in the field, The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease will be an essential reference for biologists, biochemists, geneticists and developmental biologists, as well as for clinicians and pharmacists engaged in clinical research involving retinoids.

The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease provides an overview and synthesis of the retinoid molecules, from basic biology to mechanisms of diseases and therapy. Divided into five sections, the book covers retinoic acid signaling from biochemical, genetic, developmental, and clinical perspectives. The text is divided into five sections, the first of which examines vitamin A metabolic and enzymatic pathways. Focus then shifts to the role of retinoic acid signaling in development, and then to retinoids and physiological function. The book concludes with chapters on retinoids, disease and therapy. Comprehensive in scope and written by leading researchers in the field, The Retinoids: Biology, Biochemistry, and Disease will be an essential reference for biologists, biochemists, geneticists and developmental biologists, as well as for clinicians and pharmacists engaged in clinical research involving retinoids.

A role for vitamin A in living organisms has been known throughout human history. In the last 100 years, the biochemical nature of vitamin A and its active derivative, retinoic acid, its physiological impact on growth processes and the essential details of its mechanism of action have been revealed by investigations carried out by researchers using vertebrate and more recently invertebrate models to study a multiplicity of processes and conditions, encompassing embryogenesis, postnatal development to old age. A wealth of intercellular interactions, intracellular signaling systems and molecular mechanisms have been described and the overall conclusion is that retinoic acid is essential for life. This book series, with chapters authored by experts in every aspect of this complex field, unifies the knowledge base and mechanisms currently known in detailed, engaging, well-illustrated, focused chapters that synthesize information for each specific area. In view of the recent explosion in this field, it is timely to publish a contemporary, comprehensive, book series recapitulating the most exciting developments in the field and covering fundamental research in molecular mechanisms of vitamin A action, its role in physiology, development and continued well-being and the potential of vitamin A derivatives and synthetic mimetics to serve as therapeutic treatments for cancers and other debilitating human diseases. VOLUME I: Here, we present the first volume of a multi-volume series on Retinoic Acid Signaling that will cover all aspects of this broad and diverse field. One aim of Volume I is to present a compilation of topics related to the biochemistry of nuclear retinoic acid receptors, from their architecture when bound to DNA and associated with their coregulators to their ability to regulate target gene transcription. A second aim is to provide insight into recent advances that have been made in identifying novel targets and non-genomic effects of retinoic acid. Volume I is divided into ten chapters contributed by prominent experts in their respective fields. Each chapter starts with the history of the area of research. Then, the key findings that contributed to development of the field are described, followed by a detailed look at key findings and progress that are being made in current, ongoing research. Each chapter is concluded with a discussion of the relevance of the research and a perspective on missing pieces and lingering gaps that the author recommends will be important in defining future directions in vitamin A research.