REVIEW: Nuclear Melatonin Receptors

A. N. Smirnov

Laboratory of Endocrinology, School of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119899 Russia; fax: (7-095) 939-4309; E-mail: smirnov_an@hotmail.com

Received June 26, 2000; Revision received September 6, 2000

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Current opinions on the potential role of orphan nuclear retinoid receptors of the ROR/RZR subfamily in regulatory activities of the pineal gland hormone melatonin are reviewed. The mechanisms of receptor-DNA interactions and known coactivators, tissue peculiarities of the expression of different receptor isoforms, and its regulation are described. The spectrum of probable targets for regulation by the receptors, the most promoted of which in this aspect being the immune and central nervous systems, is traced. It is clear that for final “adoption” of the orphan ROR/RZR receptors, there is need for a full collaboration of endocrinologists for solution of the still debatable questions whether and under which situations melatonin does serve as a physiological modulator of the activities of these receptors.

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KEY WORDS: melatonin, orphan nuclear receptors, ROR/RZR, RORE hormone response elements, differentiation, regulation, immune system, nervous system, lipid metabolism

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