Retinoic Acid (CAS 302-79-4): Biological Functions, Research Applications, and Importance in Cellular Differentiation Studies
Retinoic Acid (CAS No. 302-79-4), molecular formula C20H28O2 and molecular weight 300.44 g/mol, is one of the most extensively studied biologically active metabolites of Vitamin A. It serves as a potent regulator of gene expression, cellular differentiation, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Due to its profound effects on cell signaling pathways, Retinoic Acid has become an indispensable research tool in developmental biology, stem cell research, oncology, dermatology, and pharmaceutical sciences.
This compound is commonly known under numerous scientific and commercial synonyms, including:
- All-trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRA)
- Tretinoin
- Vitamin A Acid
- Trans-Retinoic Acid
- All-trans Vitamin A Acid
- Atragen
- Retinoic Acid ATRA
- (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid
- 2,4,6,8-Nonatetraenoic Acid Derivative
Among these names, All-trans-Retinoic Acid, ATRA, and Tretinoin represent the most frequently searched terms in scientific literature and online chemical databases.
Chemical and Biological Characteristics
Retinoic Acid is generated through the oxidative metabolism of retinol (Vitamin A) and functions primarily through interaction with nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). Upon receptor binding, Retinoic Acid regulates the transcription of numerous target genes involved in:
- Cell differentiation
- Cell proliferation
- Apoptosis
- Embryonic morphogenesis
- Immune regulation
- Neural development
Unlike retinol, Retinoic Acid directly acts as a signaling molecule and transcriptional regulator, making it one of the most important molecular tools for studying gene expression networks.
Applications in Stem Cell and Developmental Biology Research
One of the most significant research applications of Retinoic Acid is its ability to induce cellular differentiation.
Neural Differentiation
All-trans-Retinoic Acid is widely used to direct embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) toward neural lineages. Controlled exposure to Retinoic Acid promotes:
- Neuronal differentiation
- Motor neuron formation
- Neural progenitor development
- Spinal cord patterning
Numerous developmental biology laboratories utilize ATRA as a standard reagent for generating neuronal cell models for disease research.
Embryogenesis Studies
Retinoic Acid signaling plays a critical role during vertebrate embryonic development. Research has demonstrated its involvement in:
- Anterior-posterior axis formation
- Limb development
- Organogenesis
- Craniofacial development
Abnormal retinoid signaling has been linked to developmental defects, making Retinoic Acid a valuable model compound in teratogenicity and developmental toxicology studies.
Applications in Cancer Research
Retinoic Acid is extensively investigated for its role in regulating cellular differentiation and tumor suppression.
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)
The most celebrated clinical application of All-trans-Retinoic Acid is in the treatment of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL). ATRA induces terminal differentiation of malignant promyelocytes carrying the PML-RARα fusion protein, leading to remarkable therapeutic outcomes.
This discovery is considered one of the most successful examples of differentiation therapy in modern oncology.
Tumor Biology Research
Retinoic Acid is frequently employed in studies involving:
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Neuroblastoma
- Prostate cancer
- Glioblastoma
Researchers utilize ATRA to investigate:
- Cell cycle regulation
- Tumor cell differentiation
- Apoptotic pathways
- Gene transcription mechanisms
Dermatological and Skin Biology Applications
Tretinoin (All-trans-Retinoic Acid) is recognized as one of the most effective retinoids for dermatological research and clinical applications.
Research areas include:
- Acne pathogenesis
- Skin barrier function
- Epidermal differentiation
- Photoaging mechanisms
- Collagen synthesis regulation
Studies have shown that Retinoic Acid influences keratinocyte turnover and extracellular matrix remodeling, contributing to its widespread use in anti-aging and acne-related investigations.
Pharmaceutical and Drug Discovery Research
Retinoic Acid serves as a valuable reference compound in:
- Nuclear receptor research
- Drug screening assays
- Retinoid analog development
- Gene expression studies
- Epigenetic regulation research
Pharmaceutical scientists frequently employ ATRA as a positive control compound when evaluating novel retinoid receptor agonists and differentiation-inducing agents.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Retinoic Acid |
| CAS Number | 302-79-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C20H28O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 300.44 g/mol |
| Synonyms | All-trans-Retinoic Acid, ATRA, Tretinoin, Vitamin A Acid, Trans-Retinoic Acid |
| Appearance | Yellow Powder |
| Application | Cell Biology, Stem Cell Research, Oncology Research, Dermatology Research |
| Storage | Protected from Light, Low Temperature Storage Recommended |
Why Researchers Choose Retinoic Acid
Retinoic Acid remains one of the most influential signaling molecules in modern biological research due to:
- Well-characterized molecular mechanisms
- Extensive literature support
- High biological potency
- Broad applicability across multiple disciplines
- Essential role in differentiation studies
Its ability to precisely regulate cellular fate decisions makes it a cornerstone reagent in stem cell biology, developmental biology, cancer research, and regenerative medicine.
References
- de Thé, H., Chen, Z. (2010). Acute promyelocytic leukaemia: novel insights into the mechanisms of cure. Nature Reviews Cancer, 10(11), 775–783.
- Maden, M. (2007). Retinoic acid in the development, regeneration and maintenance of the nervous system. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 8(10), 755–765.
- Gudas, L.J., Wagner, J.A. (2011). Retinoids regulate stem cell differentiation. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 226(2), 322–330.
Retinoic Acid Supplier
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