Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor α as a therapeutic target in the treatment of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis

Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (ROR alpha) is a member of the nuclear receptor family. Recently, cholesterol (derivatives) has been identified as an ROR alpha ligand and deorphanized this receptor. ROR alpha is expressed in many tissues and is therefore a regulator of multiple biological processes. Studies of staggerer mice and in vitro assays indicate a beneficial modulatory role of ROR alpha in the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia, inflammation and atherosclerosis. This paper provides an overview on the role of ROR alpha, in lipid metabolism and discusses its potential therapeutic option for treating lipid and inflammatory disorders leading to atherosclerosis. (C) 2006 Prous Science. All rights reserved.