The 2.0-Å crystal structure of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the human retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-γ bound to all-trans retinoic acid reveals the ligand-binding interactions and suggests an electrostatic guidance mechanism. The overall fold is similar to that of the human RXR-α apo-LBD, except for the carboxy-terminal part which folds back towards the LBD core, contributing to the hydrophobic ligand pocket and 'sealing' its entry site. We propose a 'mouse trap' mechanism whereby a ligand-induced conformational transition repositions the amphi-pathic α-helix of the AF-2 activating domain and forms a transcriptionally active receptor.

The pleiotropic effects of active retinoids are transduced by their cognate nuclear receptors, retinoid X receptors (RXRs) and retinoic acid receptors (RARs), which act as transcriptional regulators activated by two stereoisomers of retinoic acid (RA): 9‐ cis RA (9‐ c RA) and all‐ trans RA (a‐ t RA). Among nuclear receptors, RXR occupies a central position and plays a crucial role in many intracellular signalling pathways as a ubiquitous heterodimerization partner with numerous other members of this superfamily. Whereas RARs bind both isomers, RXRs exclusively bind 9‐ c RA. The crystal structure of the ligand‐binding domain (LBD) of human RXRα bound to 9‐ c RA reveals the molecular basis of this ligand selectivity and allows a comparison of both apo and holo forms of the same nuclear receptor. In the crystal, the receptor is monomeric and exhibits a canonical agonist conformation without direct contacts between the ligand and the transactivation helix H12. Comparison with the unliganded RXRα LBD structure reveals the molecular mechanisms of ligand‐induced conformational changes and allows us to describe at the atomic level how these changes generate the proper protein interface involved in nuclear receptor–coactivator interaction.

Transcription regulation by steroid hormones and other metabolites is mediated by nuclear receptors (NRs) such as the vitamin D and retinoid X receptors (VDR and RXR). Here, we present the cryo electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) structure of the heterodimeric complex of the liganded human RXR and VDR bound to a consensus DNA response element forming a direct repeat (DR3). The cryo‐EM map of the 100‐kDa complex allows positioning the individual crystal structures of ligand‐ and DNA‐binding domains (LBDs and DBDs). The LBDs are arranged perpendicular to the DNA and are located asymmetrically at the DNA 5′‐end of the response element. The structure reveals that the VDR N‐terminal A/B domain is located close to the DNA. The hinges of both VDR and RXR are fully visible and hold the complex in an open conformation in which co‐regulators can bind. The asymmetric topology of the complex provides the structural basis for RXR being an adaptive partner within NR heterodimers, while the specific helical structure of VDR's hinge connects the 3′‐bound DBD with the 5′‐bound LBD and thereby serves as a conserved linker of defined length sensitive to mutational deletion. There is a [Have you seen?][1] (January 2012) associated with this Article. [1]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/emboj.2011.475