NR1I2
NR1I2: A Key Receptor in the Body's Inflammatory Response
Description
The NR1I2 gene encodes the nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group I, member 2 (NR1I2), which is a transcription factor known as the pregnane X receptor (PXR). PXR is a ligand-activated receptor that regulates the expression of genes involved in drug metabolism, inflammation, and cellular homeostasis. It plays a vital role in the body's response to xenobiotics (foreign substances) and endogenous ligands (substances produced within the body).
Associated Diseases
Mutations in NR1I2 have been linked to several diseases, including:
- Cholestasis: A condition where bile flow from the liver is impaired, leading to liver damage.
- Cerebral cavernous malformations: Abnormal blood vessel formations in the brain, which can cause seizures, headaches, and other neurological symptoms.
- Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in arteries, which can lead to heart disease or stroke.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A group of conditions causing inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joints.
Did you Know ?
PXR is a highly conserved receptor, with 93% sequence identity between humans and mice. This suggests that it plays an essential role in mammalian physiology.