Retinoid related orphan receptor alpha (ROR alpha) is a NR1 Thyroid Hormone Like Receptor. To date, ROR alpha, beta, and gamma subtypes have been discovered. ROR alpha has been shown to affect the development of the central nervous system. Deletion of ROR alpha in mice causes severe impairment in the differentiation of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and results in the "staggerer" phenotype. ROR alpha has been suggested as a potential target in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.