This review by Giguère and Evans appears in a special issue of Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, which has collected articles to reflect on the retinoic acid receptor, in celebration of 35 years since its discovery. The discovery initially came about as a surprise, but brought together whole streams of medical science and understanding, ultimately helping us understand the methods of action of vitamin A.

Through this review, we revisit the history and background of the identification of the receptor and are taken nicely through the timeline of its impact. Bringing the tale right up to the modern day, we see how studies of the retinoic acid receptor are still covering new ground in terms of understanding disease and disease therapeutics. It is a fantastic summary, which leads nicely into the rest of the special issue.

Read the full article in Journal of Molecular Endocrinology