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.
