The Importance of the Retinoid X Receptor Alpha in Modulating Inflammatory Signaling in Acute Murine Colitis

Background In order for vitamin D to signal and regulate inflammatory pathways, it must bind to its receptor (VDR) which must heterodimerize with the retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRα). Although the role that vitamin D signaling plays in the development and progression of colitis, a disease characterized by excessive inflammation, has been suggested, little research has been done on determining the role that RXRα plays in acute colitis development.