Method for identifying ligands for retinoic acid receptors

A method for identifying functional ligands for putative receptor proteins, said method comprising: (a) constructing a chimeric receptor by replacing the DNA binding domain of said putative receptor protein with the DNA binding domain of a protein having the binding properties ligand and activating transcription characteristics of retinoic acid receptor protein (i) encoded by a DNA according to Figs. 1B-1, 1B-2 and 1B-3 and DNA substantially homologous thereto and / or (ii) which has at least 50% homology to the amino acid sequence according to Figs. 1B-1, 1B-2, and 1B-3; (b) introducing into a suitable host-deficient host cell: (1) the chimeric receptor of step (a), and (2) an reporter gene functionally linked to an operative hormone response element, wherein said response element hormone is capable of being activated by the DNA binding domain of the chimeric receptor; (C) stimulate lacélula host with a candidate ligand which can potentially bind with the ligand binding domain of the chimeric receptor; and control the induction of the informant.