Receptor for retinoic acid. Retinoic acid receptors bind as heterodimers to their target response elements in response to their ligands, all-trans or 9-cis retinoic acid, and regulate gene expression in various biological processes. The RAR/RXR heterodimers bind to the retinoic acid response elements (RARE) composed of tandem 5'-AGGTCA-3' sites known as DR1-DR5 (By similarity). Heterodimer; with a RXR molecule. Binds DNA preferentially as a RAR/RXR heterodimer. Isoform Delta-1A and Isoform Delta-1B are most abundant in regenerating limbs, tails, and the anterior half of the lower jaw. Isoform Delta-2 is broadly and uniformly distributed. Composed of three domains: a modulating N-terminal domain, a DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal ligand-binding domain. Produced by alternative initiation at Met-52 of isoform Delta-1A. Belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor family. NR1 subfamily. Extended N-terminus.