Research progress on biological functions of retinoic acid related orphan receptor alpha in eye diseases

doi:10.3877/cma.j.issn.2095-2007.2026.03.007

Abstract

Abstract:

Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORα) is an important member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a transcriptional regulator involved in a wide range of biological processes, including oxidative stress regulation, maintenance of mitochondrial function, inflammatory and immune homeostasis, lipid and energy metabolism, as well as tumor initiation and progression. Emerging evidence in recent years has further demonstrated that RORα plays critical roles in maintaining ocular tissue homeostasis, such as corneal epithelial differentiation, and participates in the pathogenesis of several ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration and uveal melanoma. The major biological functions of RORα and recent advances in understanding its roles in ocular tissues and ocular diseases were summarized in this paper. Particular emphasis was placed on the potential regulatory functions of RORα in retinal, uveal, and ocular surface-related disorders. In addition, the research value of RORα as a novel molecular target and its potential clinical implications in ophthalmic diseases were discussed.

Key words: Retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha, Nuclear receptor, Ocular diseases, Transcriptional regulation

Zhenyu Wang, Jinda Wang, Xudong Song. Research progress on biological functions of retinoic acid related orphan receptor alpha in eye diseases[J]. Chinese Journal of Ophthalmologic Medicine(Electronic Edition), 2026, 16(03): 164-168.

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