The Sound of Evolution
Tretinoin
Mechanism of action:
Tretinoin is all-trans retinoic acid. It enters the nucleus and binds to retinoic acid receptors RARα, RARβ, and RARγ, then forms heterodimers with RXR (retinoid X receptor). The RAR/RXR complex binds to retinoic acid response elements on DNA and alters the transcriptional activity of multiple genes related to cell differentiation, proliferation, and keratinization, thereby suppressing excessive keratinocyte proliferation and promoting normal epidermal cell differentiation.
Reference(s):
1. Kang S et al. (2005). The mechanism of action of topical retinoids. Cutis.
2. Baldwin HE et al. (2013). 40 years of topical tretinoin use in review. J Drugs Dermatol.
3. Thorne EG et al. (1992). Long-term clinical experience with a topical retinoid. Br J Dermatol.