LXRβ subcellular localization: A new tool to investigate cancer cell response to LXR ligand-induced cytotoxicity?

Liver X Receptors (LXRs) and their ligands are known for their potential anticancer properties. Recently, our team underlined for the first time that these ligands induce colon cancer cell death through the activation of the inflammasome pathway in an LXRβ-dependent manner. Moreover, a truncated form of the Retinoid X Receptor α (RXRα), t-RXRα, produced only in cancer cells and not in normal colon epithelial cells, interacts with LXRβ to maintain it in the cytoplasm. This specific localization of LXRβ in colon cancer cells dictates their sensitivity towards LXR ligand cytotoxicity whereas its nuclear localization in normal colon epithelial cells prevents it. Our results highlight LXRβ subcellular localization as a promising marker for LXR ligand efficacy in colon cancer treatment.