Retinoids in dermatology: from structure to clinical application

Vitamin A belongs to the group of essential fat-soluble vitamins that are not synthesized in the human body and are supplied with food. The primary function of vitamin A metabolites is to regulate cell growth and differentiation during ontogenesis and in the postnatal period. The widespread use of retinoids in dermatology is attributed to their ability to regulate the growth activity and differentiation of keratinocytes and epithelial cells of the sweat and sebaceous glands. To date, pharmaceutical companies continue to work on improving retinoid molecules to enhance their clinical efficacy and reduce the risk of adverse events. At the same time, the clinical era of retinoids is still at an early stage of development, with research in vitamin A biochemistry significantly outpacing the therapeutic applications of its derivatives. This article focuses on the analysis of the structure, functioning, and biological significance of retinoic receptors in cellular signaling. It examines receptor mechanisms, including classification, mechanisms of interaction with ligand molecules, and factors influencing their activity. The main receptor groups, their molecular characteristics, and intracellular signaling mechanisms triggered by synthetic vitamin A derivatives are described in detail. Special attention is given to receptor activation and desensitization processes, which play a pivotal role in regulating physiological processes. The molecular mechanisms underlying receptor activity, including conformational changes, phosphorylation, and interactions with intracellular signaling proteins, are discussed.