What is claimed is:

1.

A compound of the formula: OR (ID OR (ffl) OR (IV) OR (V) wherein, R] through R4 each independently are hydrogen, a C\ Cg alkyl or a C7 5 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; R5 is a C5 C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, NR6R7, or ORβ, where R6 and R7 each independently are a C7 C J Q alkyl, heteroalkyl, a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, a C3 C I Q acyl, provided that only one of Rβ or R7 can be acyl, or R6 and R7 taken together are C3 Cg cycloalkyl. and where R^ is a C7 C10 alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; R9 and RJ Q each independently are hydrogen, a C] C J Q alkyl. halogen, heteroalkyl, NRj ]Ri2> NO or OR 13, where Rj j and Rp each independently are hydrogen, a C] C JQ alkyl, heteroalkyl. a C7 Cjg arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, a C] Cg acyl, provided that only one of R] ] or Rp can be acyl. or Rj j and Rp taken together are a C3 Cg cycloalkyl, and where Rp is hydrogen or a C] C J Q alkyl. heteroalkyl or a C7 Cj5 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; Rj4 and R15 each independently are hydrogen, a C J C JO alkyl, a C\ Cg acyl, or OR]g where Rjg is hydrogen or a C\ C IQ alkyl; or R14 and R15 taken together are keto, methano, optionally substituted oxime, optionally substituted hydrazone, optionally substituted epoxy, 1,3dioxolane, 1,3dioxane, 1 ,3dithiolane, 1,3dithiane, oxazolidine or: where R17 through R23 have the definitions given below and the dashed lines crossing the bonds indicate the attachment bonds to the rings adjacent to R14 and R15; R\η and Rj each independently are hydrogen, a CjCio alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, a C7C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl or Rp and Rig taken together are a C3 Cg cycloalkyl; Rl9 is hydrogen, a Cj C \Q alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; R2o through R23 each independently are hydrogen, halogen, a C] C JQ alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, NR?4R?5, NO2, or OR2g, where R24 and R25 each independently are hydrogen, a C\ C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, a C7 Cj5 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl or a C] Cg acyl, provided that only one of R 4 or R25 can be acyl, and where R26 is hydrogen or a C\ Q alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; R 7 through R31 each independently are hydrogen, a C\ C JQ alkyl, heteroalkyl, halogen, NR32R, NO2 or OR34, where R32 and R33 each independently are hydrogen, a C] C JO alkyl, a C7 C p arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl. a Cj Cg acyl, provided that only one of R32 or R33 can be acyl, or R32 and R33 taken together are a C3 Cg cycloalkyl, and where R34 is hydrogen or a C] C J Q alkyl, heteroalkyl or a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl and can only exist when W is C; R35 through R3 each independently are hydrogen, a C] C2 alkyl or OR39 where R39 is hydrogen or a Cj C IQ alkyl, or R35 and R3 or R37 and R3 taken together are keto, or R35 and R3g R37 and R3 , R35 and R37 or R3g and R3g taken together are epoxy; COR40 can originate from any W, when the orginating W is C, and R40 is OR41 or NR42R43, with R4j being hydrogen, a C\ Cg alkyl or a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, and with R 2 and R43 each independently being hydrogen, a Cj Cg alkyl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, aryl, ortho, meta. or parasubstituted hydroxyaryl, or taken together are a C3 Cg cycloalkyl; R44 and R45 each independently are hydrogen, a Cj C4 alkyl or CH2OR4g, where R4 is hydrogen or a C\ Cg alkyl, or R44 and R45 taken together are a C3 Cg cycloalkyl or cycloheteroalkyl; R47 is hydrogen, a Cj C4 alkyl, or when n=l, R47 taken together with R44 or R45 are a C3 Cg cycloalkyl or cycloheteroalkyl; R4 and R49 each independently are Cj C4 alkyl; R50 is a C4 Cio alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl. heteroaryl, a C7 C15 arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, NR5jR52, or OR53, where R51 and Rs each independently are a C2 C \ Q alkyl, heteroalkyl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, a C3 C JO acyl, provided that only one of R51 or R52 can be acyl, or R51 and R52 taken together are C3 Cg cycloalkyl, and where R53 is a C7 C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C3 Cg alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl or heteroalkyl or a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; R54 represents: where R9, RJ O, R14, R15 and R40 have the definitions given above; R55 through R5 each independently are hydrogen, halogen, a C\ C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, NR59R6O or ORβi , where R59 and Rgo each independently are hydrogen, a C\ C \Q alkyl or heteroalkyl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, aCj Cg acyl, provided that only one of R59 or Rgo can be acyl, or R59 and Rgo taken together are C3 Cg cycloalkyl, and where Rgi is hydrogen or a Cj Cjo alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or where R55 and R56 or R57 and R58 taken together are keto, methano, a Ci C \ Q alkyl methylene, a C\ C JQ dialkylmethylene, C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkylmethylene, oxime, Oalkyl oxime, hydrazone, 1,3dioxolane, 1 ,3dioxane, 1 ,3dithiolane, 1,3dithiane. oxazolidine, or R55 and R57 or R5 and R5g taken together are epoxy; Rg2 through Rg4 each independently are hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, CF3, a C2 Cg alkyl, C Cg heteroalkyl or NR51R52, where R51 and R52 have the definitions given above ; Rg5 is hydrogen, a C\ C2 alkyl or ORgg, where Rgg is a Cj C2 alkyl; Rg7 is a C4 C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, NR5iRs2, or OR s, where R51 and R5? have the definitions described above, and where Rgg is a C3 C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; X and Y each independently represent C, O, S, N, SO or SO2, provided, however, that when X or Y are O, S, SO or SO2, then either R] and R2 or R3 and R4 respectively do not exist, and further provided, that when X or Y is N, then one each of R] and R or R3 and R4 respectively, do not exist; M is N or C; Q is N or C; Z is O, S, SO, SO2, CR 9R7o or NR71, where R through R71 each independently are hydrogen or a C] CJO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, or Rg9 and R70 each independently are OR71 , or Rg9 and R70 taken together are a cycloalkyl; each W is independently C, N, S or O, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, but is not O or S if attached by a double bond to another W or if attached to another such W which is O or S, and is not N if attached by a single bond to another such W which is N; m is 0, 1 or 2 carbon atoms; n is 0 or 1 carbon atoms; k is 1 to 5 carbon atoms; the dashed lines in the structures, other than at R14 and Rp, represent optional double bonds, provided, however, that the double bonds cannot be contiguous, and further provided that when such optional double bonds exist then the substitution patterns around such bonds cannot violate double bond valency; and the wavy lines represent olefin geometry that is either cis (Z) or trans (E), and unless otherwise indicated, for substituents R\ through R71 , all olefin geometric isomers (i.e., cis (Z) or trans (E)) of the above compounds are included.

2.	A compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is a dimer selective RXR modulator.

3.	A compound according to claim 2, wherein the compound is effective in modulating RXR homodimer interactions.

4.	A compound according to claim 3, wherein the compound is a RXR homodimer antagonist.

5.	A compound according to claim 2, wherein the compound is effective in modulating RXR heterodimer interactions, and wherein the RXR heterodimer comprises an RXR complexed with another intracellular receptor that forms a heterodimer with RXR.

6.	A compound according to claim 5, wherein the compound is a RXR heterodimer antagonist.

7.	A compound according to claim 5, wherein the RXR is selected from the group consisting of RXRα, RXRβ and RXRγ.

8.

*.

9.	A compound according to claim 5, wherein the other intracelluar receptor is selected from the group consisting of PPARα, PPARβ, PPARγl, PPARγ2, TRα, TRβ, VDRs, RARα, RARβ, RARγ, NGFIBs, NURRls, LXRα, LXRβ and DAXs.

10.

A compound according to claim 2, wherein the compound is effective in treating skinrelated diseases and conditions, cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing or restoration of hair growth.

11.	A compound according to claim 9, wherein the compound is effective in treating noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

12.

A compound according to claim 2 selected from the group consisting of 4 [(3A2propyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid (Compound 101); 4[(3npropyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid (Compound 102); 4[(3«propyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro5, 5.8.8 tetramethyl2naphthyl)cyclopropyl] benzoic acid (Compound 103); 4[(3«propyl 5,6,7, 8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 104); 4[(3,5,5,8,8pentamethyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro2 naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Obenzyloxime (Compound 105); 4[(3,5, 5,8,8 pentamethyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Ohexyloxime (Compound 106); 4[(3ethoxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid (Compound 107); 4[(3ethoxy5,6,7, 8tetrahydro5, 5,8,8 tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Omethyloxime (Compound 108); 4[(3 propoxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 109); 4[(3propoxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Omethyloxime (Compound 1 10); 4[(3butyloxy5, 6,7,8 tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid (Compound 1 1 1 ); 4[(3 butyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid (Compound 1 12); 4[(3butyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Omethyloxime (Compound 113); 4[(3hexyloxy5,6,7,8 tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 1 14); 4[(3heptyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 115); 4[(3heptyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)ethenyl]benzoic acid (Compound 116); s4[(3benzyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydiO 5,5,8, 8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 1 17); trans4 [(3benzyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 1 18); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3butyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 119); (2Z, 4E, 6E)7[3 (butyl)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6 trienoic acid (Compound 120); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3propoxy5,5,8,8tetramethyl5,6,7,8 tetrahydro2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 121); (2E. 4E. 6Z)7[3propoxy5,5,8,8tetramethyl5,6,7,8tetrahydro2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta 2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 122); (2Z, 4E. 6E)7(3ethoxy5.6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8 tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl)3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 123); (2E. 4E, 6Z)7[3hexyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3 methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 124); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3hexyloxy5, 6,7,8 tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 125); (2E. 4E, 6E)7[3(3methylbut2enyloxy)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8 tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 126); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3benzyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3 methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 127); (2E, 4E, 6Z)7[3benzyloxy5,6,7,8 tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 128); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3(4methylbenzyloxy)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8 tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 129); (2E, 4E, 6Z)7[3(4methylbenzyloxy)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2 yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 130); 4(3,4,5,6,7,8hexahydro5,5,8,8 tetramethylanthracenlylmethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 131); 4(5,6,7,8tetrahydro 5,5,8,8tetramethyl3Hcyclopenta[b]naphthalenlylmethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 132); 4(6,7,8,9tetrahydro6,6,9,9tetramethyl2Hbenzo[g]chromen4ylmethy l)benzoic acid (Compound 133); 4(3,4,6,7,8,9hexahydro2oxo6,6,9,9tetramethyl2H benzo[g]quinolinlylmethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 134); 4(3,4,6,7,8,9hexahydro 6,6,9,9tetramethyl2Hbenzo[g]quinolinlylmethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 135); 4 (2,3,6,7,8,9hexahydro6,6,9,9tetramethylnaphtho[2,3b][l,4]oxazin4ylmethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 136); 4(3hydroxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethylanthracene l carbonyl)benzoic acid (Compound 137); 4[(5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl anthracenlyl)hydroxymethyl]benzoic acid (Compound 138); 4(5,6,7,8tetrahydro 5,5,8,8tetramethylanthracen lylmethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 139); 4[ l hydroxy 1 (5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethylanthracenlyl)ethyl)benzoic acid (Compound 140); 4[lmethoxyl(5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethylanthracenlyl)ethyl) benzoic acid (Compound 141); 4[l(5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethylanthracenl yl)vinyl)benzoic acid (Compound 142); (rrørts)4(5,6,7,8tetrahydro5.5,8,8tetramethyl anthracene1 carbonyl oxime)benzoic acid (Compound 143); (c<:'s)4(5,6.7.8tetrahydro 5,5,8, 8tetramethylanthracenel carbonyl oxime)benzoic acid (Compound 144); (trans) 4(5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethylanthracene l carbonyl Omethyloxime)benzoic acid (Compound 145); (2E, 4E, 6E)7(3,5diisopropyl2/ιheptyloxyphenyl)3 methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 146); (2£, 4E. 6Z)7(3,5diisopropyl2π heptyloxyphenyl)3methylocta2.4.6trienoic acid (Compound 147); (2£, 4£,)7(3,5 diisopropyl2/jheptyloxyphenyl)3methylocta2,4dienoic acid (Compound 148); (2Z, 4£.)7(3,5diisopropyl2/jheptyloxyphenyl)3methylocta2,4,dienoic acid (Compound 149); (2E, 4E, 6E)7(3,5diisopropyl2benzyloxyphenyl)3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 150); (2E, 4E, 6£)7(3,5diisopropyl2/ιbutyloxyphenyl)3 methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid (Compound 151); (2E, 4E)6[2(5,5,8,8Tetramethyl3 propyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydronaphthalen2yl) cyclopropan 1 yl]3methyl hexadienoic acid (Compound 152); (2E, 4E)6[2(5,5,8,8Tetramethyl3heptyloxy5,6,7,8 tetrahydronaphthalen2yl) cyclopropan lyl]3methyl hexadienoic acid (Compound 153); (2E, 4E)6[2(5,5,8,8Tetramethyl3benzyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydronaphthalen2yl) cyclopropan lyl]3methyl hexadienoic acid (Compound 154); (2E, 4E)7[(5,5,8,8 Tetramethyl3propyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydronaphtha len2yl) cyclopropan 1 yl]3methyl heptadienoic acid (Compound 155); (2E, 4E)7[(5,5,8,8Tetramethyl3heptyloxy5,6,7,8 tetrahydronaphtha len2yl) cyclopropan lyl]3methyl heptadienoic acid (Compound 156); (2E, 4E)7[(5,5,8,8Tetramethyl3benzyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydronaphtha len2yl) cyclopropan lyl]3methyl heptadienoic acid (Compound 157); (2E, 4E)5[2(5,5,8,8 Tetramethyl3propyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydronaphthalen2yl) cyclopent 1 en 1 yl]3 methyl pentadienoic acid (Compound 158); cis (2E, 4E)5[2(5,5,8,8Tetramethyl3 propyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro2naphthyl) cyclopentanlyl]3methyl pentadienoic acid (Compound 159); 4[(3(4tButylbenzyloxy)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 160); 4[(3(4Bromobenzyloxy) 5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid oxime (Compound 161); cis4[(3Benzyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2 naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Omethyloxime (Compound 162); rra/ιs4[(3Benzyloxy 5,6,7, 8tetrahydro5, 5,8, 8tetramethyl2naphthyl)carbonyl]benzoic acid Omethyloxime (Compound 163); 4[2(3Benzyloxy5,6,7.8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyD [l,3]dioxolan2yl]benzoic acid (Compound 164); 4[2Methyll(3benzyloxy5,6.7,8 tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthyl)propenyl]benzoic acid (Compound 165); (2E. 4E, 6E)7[3(4terrbutylbenzyloxy)5.6,7,8tetrahydro5,5.8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen 2yl]3methylocta2,4.6tπenoic acid. (Compound 166); (2E. 4E. 6Z)7[3(4t butylbenzyloxy)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5.5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta 2.4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 167); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3isobutyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro 5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 168); (2E, 4E, 6Z)7[3isobutyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen 2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 169); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3pentyloxy 5,6,7.8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 170); (2E, 4E, 6Z)7[3pentyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8 tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 171); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3heptyloxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naρhthalen2yl]3 methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 172); (2E, 4E, 6Z)7[3heptyloxy5, 6,7,8 tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 173); (2E, 4E, 6E)7[3(4methoxybenzyloxy)5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8 tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3methylocta2,4,6trienoic acid. (Compound 174) and (2E, 4E)7[3propoxy5,6,7,8tetrahydro5,5,8,8tetramethyl2naphthalen2yl]3 methylocta2,4dienoic acid. (Compound 175).

13.	A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of a compound according to claim 2 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

14.	A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is formulated for oral, topical, intravenous, suppository or parental administration.

15.

A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 13, wherein the composition is effective to treat skinrelated diseases and conditions, cancerous and pre cancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing or restoration of hair εrowth.

16.	A compound according to claim 14, wherein the compound is effective in treating noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin dependent diabetes melhtus.

17.	A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about 1 μg/kg of body weight to about 500 mg/kg of body weight.

18.

A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about lOμg/kg of body weight to about 250 mg/kg of body weight 18 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about 20μg/kg of body weight to about 100 mg/kg of body weight 19 A method of modulating processes mediated by RXR homodimeis and/or RXR heterodimers comprising administering to a patient an effective amount a dimer selective RXR modulator compound of the formula (IE) OR (IV) OR (V) OR (VI) wherein, Rl through R71 , M, Q, W. X, Y, Z, k, m and n each have the definitions provided in claim 1 ; R72 is a C3 C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, NR73R74, or OR75, where R73 and R74 each independently are a C7 C]o alkyl, heteroalkyl, a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl, a C3 C JQ acyl, provided that only one of R73 or R74 can be acyl, or R73 and R74 taken together are C3 Cg cycloalkyl, and where R7? is a C2 C JO alkyl, heteroalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or a C7 Cp arylalkyl or heteroarylalkyl; the dashed lines in the structures, other than at R14 and Rp, represent optional double bonds, provided, however, that the double bonds cannot be contiguous, and further provided that when such optional double bonds exist then the substitution patterns around such bonds cannot violate double bond valency; and the wavy lines represent olefin geometry that is either cis (Z) or trans (E), and unless otherwise indicated, for substituents R\ through R75, all olefin geometric isomers (i.e., cis (Z) or trans (E)) of the above compounds are included.

19.	A method of modulating according to claim 19, wherein the process is mediated by RXR homodimers.

20.	A method of modulating according to claim 19, wherein the process is mediated by RXR heterodimers.

21.

A method of modulating according to claim 19, wherein the process is selected from the group consisting of skinrelated diseases and conditions, cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, modulation of diseases involving cellular proliferation, modulation of diseases involving cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing and restoration of hair growth.

22.	A method of modulating according to claim 22, wherein the metabolic disease process is selected from the group consisting of noninsulin dependent diabetes melhtus and insulin dependent diabetes melhtus.

23.	A method of modulating according to claim 19, wherein the dimerselective RXR modulator compound is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a pharmaceutical composition .

24.	A method of modulating according to claim 24, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral, topical, intravenous, suppository or parental administration.

25.

A method of modulating according to claim 24, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is effective to treat processes selected from the group consisting of skin re4ated diseases and conditions, cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing and restoration of hair growth.

26.	A method of modulating according to claim 26, wherein the metabolic disease process is selected from the group consisting of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin dependent diabetes melhtus.

27.	A method of modulating according to claim 24, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about 1 μg/kg of body weight to about 500 mg/kg of body weight.

28.

A method of modulating according to claim 24, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about lOμg/kg of body weight to about 250 mg/kg of body weight 30 A method of modulating according to claim 24, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about 20μg/kg of body weight to about 100 mg/kg of body weight 31 A method of modulating a process mediated by RXR homodimers and/or RXR heterodimers comprising administering to a patient an effective amount of a dimer selective RXR modulator compound of the formula (VII) wherein, R44 through R47 and R 2 through Rgg, M, W and n each have the definitions given in claim 1, or Rg2 and R 3, Rg3 and Rg5, or R 5 and R 4 taken together are where R] through R4, R35 through R39, X, Y and m have the definitions given in claim 1 and the dashed lines crossing the bonds adjacent X and Y indicate the points of attachment at Rg2 and R 3, Rg3 and R 5, or R 5 and R 4, R76 ιs where R27 through R34, R40 through R43, R49, W and n have the same definitions given in claim 1 and the dashed lines crossing the bonds adjacent R49 and R27/R3] indicate the points of attachment at R7 , other than as micated above for points of attachment, the dashed lines in the structures represent optional double bonds, provided, however, that the double bonds cannot be contiguous, and further provided that when such optional double bonds exist then the substitution patterns around such bonds cannot violate double bond valency; and the wavy lines represent olefin geometry that is either cis (Z) or trans (E), and unless otherwise indicated, for substituents R\ through R7 , all olefin geometric isomers (1 e., cis (Z) or trans (E)) of the above compounds are included .

29.	A method of modulating according to claim 31 , wherein the process is mediated by RXR homodimers.

30.	A method of modulating according to claim 31 , wherein the process is mediated by RXR heterodimers.

31.

A method of modulating according to claim 31, wherein the process is selected from the group consisting of skinrelated diseases and conditions, cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye. cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases. obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis. diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitaπ, function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing and restoration of hair growth .

32.	A method of modulating according to claim 34, wherein the metabolic disease process is selected from the group consisting of noninsulin dependent diabetes melhtus and insulin dependent diabetes melhtus.

33.

A method of modulating according to claim 31. wherein the dimerselective RXR modulator compound is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a pharmaceutical composition 37 A method of modulating according to claim 36, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for oral, topical, intravenous, suppository or parental administration .

34.

A method of modulating according to claim 36, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is effective to treat processes selected from the group consisting of skin related diseases and conditions, cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis. diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing and restoration of hair growth.

35.	A method of modulating according to claim 38, wherein the metabolic disease process is selected from the group consisting of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus insulin dependent diabetes melhtus.

36.	A RXR homodimer antagonist compound.

37.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 40. wheiein the compound also antagonizes a RXR heterodimer 42 A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 40. wherein the compound antagonizes a RXR homodimer. but does not antagonize a RXR heterodimer.

38.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 42, wherein the compound activates RXR heterodimers.

39.

A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 43, wherein the compound activates RXR hetrodimers comprising a RXR selected from the group consisting of RXRα, RXRβ and RXRγ complexed with another intracellular receptor selected from the group consisting of PPARα, PPARβ, PPARγl, PPARγ2, TRα. TRβ, VRDs, RARα, RARβ, RARγ, NGFIBs, NURRls, LXRα. LXRβ and DAXs.

40.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 44, wherein the compound activates the RXR heterodimer in the absence of an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR.

41.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 45, wherein the compound activates a RXR:RAR heterodimer in the absence of a RAR activator.

42.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 44, wherein the compound and an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR activate the RXR heterodimer to a significantly greater extent than either the compound or activator alone.

43.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 44. wherein the compound activates the RXR heterodimer in the presence or absence of an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR.

44.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 48, wherein the other intracellular receptor is selected from the group consisting of PPARα. PPARβ. PPARγl . PPARγ2, NGFIBs LXRα and LXRβ.

45.

A RXR homodimer antagonist compound of the formula: (VII) wherein, R44 through R47 and R 2 through Rgg, M. W and n each have the definitions given in claim 1 , or R 2 and R 3, R 3 and R 5, or Rg5 and Rg4 taken together are: where R\ through R4, R35 through R39, X, Y and m have the definitions given in claim 1 and the dashed lines crossing the bonds adjacent X and Y indicate the points of attachment at Rg2 and R 3, R 3 and R 5, or Rg5 and Rg4; R76 is: where R27 through R34, R40 through R43, R49, W and n have the same definitions given in claim 1 and the dashed lines crossing the bonds adjacent R49 and R 7/R3i indicate the points of attachment at R7 ; other than as inicated above for points of attachment, the dashed lines in the structures represent optional double bonds, provided, however, that the double bonds cannot be contiguous, and further provided that when such optional double bonds exist then the substitution patterns around such bonds cannot violate double bond valency; and the wavy lines represent olefin geometry that is either cis (Z) or trans (E), and unless otherwise indicated, for substituents R\ through R7 , all olefin geometric isomers (i.e., cis (Z) or trans (E)) of the above compounds are included.

46.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 50, wherein the compound antagonizes a RXR homodimer, but does not antagonize a RXR heterodimer.

47.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 51 , wherein the compound activates RXR heterodimers.

48.

A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 52. wherein the compound activates RXR hetrodimers comprising a RXR selected from the group consisting of RXRα, RXRβ and RXRγ complexed with another intracellular receptor selected from the group consisting of PPARα, PPARβ, PPARγl, PPARγ2, TRα, TRβ, VRDs. RARα, RARβ, RARγ, NGFIBs, NURRls, LXRα. LXRβ and DAXs.

49.

A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 53. wherein the compound activates the RXR heterodimer in the absence of an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR 55 A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 54, wherein the compound activates a RXR RAR heterodimer in the absence of a RAR activator .

50.	A RXR homodimer antagonist according to claim 53, wherein the compound and an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR activate the RXR heterodimer to a significantly greater extent than either the compound or activator alone.

51.	A RXR homodimer anatagomst according to claim 50, wherein a pharmaceutically effective amount of the compound is combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to form a pharmaceutical composition.

52.	A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 57, wherein the composition is formulated for oral, topical, intravenous, suppository or parental administration.

53.

A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 58, wherein the composition is effective to treat skinrelated diseases and conditions, cancerous and pre cancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing or restoration of hair growth.

54.

A compound according to claim 59. wherein the compound is effective in treating noninsuhn dependent diabetes mellitus or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus 61 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 57, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about 1 μg/kg of body weight to about 500 mg/kg of body weight .

55.

A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 57, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about lOμg/kg of body weight to about 250 mg/kg of body weight 63 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 57, wherein the composition is administered to a patient as a dosage unit at from about 20μg/kg of body weight to about 100 mg/kg of body weight 64 A method of modulating a process mediated by a RXR homodimer comprising administering an effective amount of a RXR homodimer antagonist .

56.	A method of modulating a process mediated by a RXR heterodimer comprising administering an effective amount of a RXR homodimer antagonist.

57.	A method of modulating a process mediated by a RXR heterodimer comprising administering an effective amount of a RXR heterodimer antagonist.

58.	A method of treating a disease process mediated by RXR heterodimers comprising administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a RXR homodimer antagonist.

59.	A method of treating a disease according to claim 67, wherein the RXR homodimer antagonist activates the RXR heterodimer in the absence of an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR.

60.	A method of treating a disease according to claim 68, wherein the RXR homodimer antagonist activates a RXR RAR heterodimer in the absence of a RAR activator.

61.	A method of treating a disease according to claim 67, wherein the RXR homodimer antagonist and an activator for the other intracellular receptor complexed with RXR activate the RXR heterodimer to a significantly greater extent than either the RXR homodimer antagonist or activator alone.

62.

A method of treating a disease according to claim 67, wherein the disease process is selected from the group consisting of skinrelated diseases and conditions, cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system, improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing and restoration of hair growth.

63.	A method of treating a disease according to claim 71 , wherein the disease process is selected from the group consisting of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

64.

A method of treating a disease according to claim 68, wherein the disease process is selected from the group consisting of skinrelated diseases and conditions. cancerous and precancerous conditions, diseases of the eye, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, obesity inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diseases involving modulation of apoptosis, diseases involving modulation of cellular proliferation, diseases involving modulation of cellular differentiation, diseases of the immune system. improper pituitary function, diseases involving human papilloma virus, wound healing and restoration of hair growth.

65.	A method of treating a disease according to claim 73. wherein the disease process is selected from the group consisting of noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

66.	A method of treating a disease according to claim 67, wherein the RXR homodimer antagonist is a compound according to claim 1.