This gene represents a nuclear retinoic acid receptor. The encoded protein, retinoic acid receptor alpha, regulates transcription in a ligand-dependent manner. This gene has been implicated in regulation of development, differentiation, apoptosis, granulopoeisis, and transcription of clock genes. Translocations between this locus and several other loci have been associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this locus.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2010],disease:Chromosomal aberrations involving RARA may be a cause of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) [MIM:612376]. Translocation t(11;17)(q32;q21) with ZBTB16/PLZF; translocation t(15;17)(q21;q21) with PML; translocation t(5;17)(q32;q11) with NPM.,domain:Composed of three domains: a modulating N-terminal domain, a DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal steroid-binding domain.,function:This is a receptor for retinoic acid. This metabolite has profound effects on vertebrate development. Retinoic acid is a morphogen and is a powerful teratogen. This receptor controls cell function by directly regulating gene expression.,online information:Retinoic acid receptor entry,PTM:Phosphorylated. Phosphorylation does not change during cell cycle. Phosphorylation on Ser-77 is crucial for transcriptional activity.,similarity:Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family.,similarity:Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family. NR1 subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 nuclear receptor DNA-binding domain.,subunit:Interacts with CDK7 (By similarity). Interacts with NCOA3 and NCOA6 coactivators, leading to a strong increase of transcription of target genes. Interacts with NOCA7 in a ligand-inducible manner.,