Retinoic Acid Agent

**Semantic type:** Chemical Viewed Functionally

**Definition:** A group of agents that includes retinol (Vitamin A) and related compounds with potential antineoplastic and/or chemopreventive activities. A retinoic acid agent binds to and/or activates specific nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs), thereby modulating transcription of genes responsible for cell differentiation and proliferation. A retinoic acid agent may exhibit immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit ornithine decarboxylase, resulting in a decrease in polyamine synthesis and keratinization. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - Retinoic Acid and Derivatives - Retinoic Acids - Retinoid - Retinoids - retinoid