Farnesoid X receptor

The bile acid receptor (BAR), also known as farnesoid X receptor (FXR) or NR1H4 (nuclear receptor subfamily 1, group H, member 4), is a nuclear receptor that is encoded by the NR1H4 gene in humans.

Function
FXR is expressed at high levels in the liver and intestine. Chenodeoxycholic acid and other bile acids are natural ligands for FXR. Similar to other nuclear receptors, when activated, FXR translocates to the cell nucleus, forms a dimer (in this case a heterodimer with RXR) and binds to hormone response elements on DNA, which up- or down-regulates the expression of certain genes.

One of the primary functions of FXR activation is the suppression of cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate-limiting enzyme in bile acid synthesis from cholesterol. FXR does not directly bind to the CYP7A1 promoter. Rather, FXR induces expression of small heterodimer partner (SHP), which then functions to inhibit transcription of the CYP7A1 gene. FXR likewise stimulates the synthesis of fibroblast growth factor 19, which also inhibits expression of CYP7A1 and sterol 12-alpha-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) via fibroblast growth factor receptor 4. In this way, a negative feedback pathway is established in which synthesis of bile acids is inhibited when cellular levels are already high.

The absence of FXR in an FXR-/- mouse model led to increased bile acids in the liver, and the spontaneous development of liver tumors. Reducing the pool of bile acids in the FXR-/- mice by feeding the bile acid sequestering resin cholestyramine reduced the number and size of the malignant lesions.

FXR has also been found to be important in regulation of hepatic triglyceride levels. Specifically, FXR activation suppresses lipogenesis and promotes free fatty acid oxidation by PPARα activation. Studies have also shown the FXR to regulate the expression and activity of epithelial transport proteins involved in fluid homeostasis in the intestine, such as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR).

Activation of FXR in diabetic mice reduces plasma glucose and improves insulin sensitivity, whereas inactivation of FXR has the opposite effect.

Interactions
Farnesoid X receptor has been shown to interact with:
 * Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha and
 * Retinoid X receptor alpha.

Ligands
A number of ligands for FXR are known, of both natural and synthetic origin.


 * Agonists
 * Cafestol
 * Chenodeoxycholic acid
 * Fexaramine
 * GW 4064
 * Ivermectin
 * Obeticholic acid
 * Tropifexor
 * Antagonists
 * Guggulsterone