Orphan nuclear receptors in drug discovery.

Orphan nuclear receptors provide a unique resource for uncovering novel regulatory systems that impact human health and also provide drug targets for a variety of human diseases. Ligands of nuclear receptors have been used in several important therapeutic areas, such as breast cancers, skin disorders and diabetes. Orphan nuclear receptors, therefore, represent a tremendous opportunity in understanding and treating human diseases. Here, I highlight recent advances in the use of orphan nuclear receptors and their potential as targets for drug discovery in diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases and other related disorders.