Description
Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A (retinol) that mediates the functions of vitamin A required for growth and development. Retinoic acid is required in chordate animals, which includes all higher animals from fish to humans. During early embryonic development, retinoic acid generated in a specific region of the embryo helps determine position along the embryonic anterior/posterior axis by serving as an intercellular signaling molecule that guides development of the posterior portion of the embryo. It acts through Hox genes, which ultimately control anterior/posterior patterning in early developmental stages.
The key role of retinoic acid in embryonic development mediates the high teratogenicity of retinoid pharmaceuticals, such as isotretinoin used for treatment of cancer and acne. Oral megadoses of pre-formed vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), and retinoic acid itself, also have teratogenic potential by this same mechanism.
The key role of retinoic acid in embryonic development mediates the high teratogenicity of retinoid pharmaceuticals, such as isotretinoin used for treatment of cancer and acne. Oral megadoses of pre-formed vitamin A (retinyl palmitate), and retinoic acid itself, also have teratogenic potential by this same mechanism.
Basic Info
Chemical Name | all-trans-retinoic acid |
---|---|
Synonyms | (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-Dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraenoic acid;retin-a;ATRA;13-cis-retinoic acid;aknoten;Expand |
CAS No. | 302-79-4 |
Molecular Formula | C20H28O2 |
Molecular Weight | 300.43500 |
PSA | 37.30000 |
LogP | 5.60260 |
Safety Info
Safety Statements | S36/37-S45 |
---|---|
HS Code | 2916209090 |
Risk Statements | R22; R38; R63 |
Hazard Codes | Xn |
Caution Statement | P301 + P312 + P330 |
Signal Word | Warning |
Symbol | GHS07 |
Hazard Declaration | H302 |