Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are lipid-activated transcription factors that regulate lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, glucose homeostasis and inflammation.

The PPAR family consists of three proteins, alpha, beta/delta and gamma. Recent data suggest that PPAR alpha and gamma activation decreases atherosclerosis progression not only by correcting metabolic disorders, but also through direct effects on the vascular wall.

PPARs modulate the recruitment of leukocytes to endothelial cells, control the inflammatory response and lipid homeostasis of monocytes/macrophages and regulate inflammatory cytokine production by smooth muscle cells.

Members

Pathology

 PAX8/PPARG fusion gene in follicular thyroid tumors

References

 Michalik L, Desvergne B, Wahli W. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors and cancers: complex stories. Nat Rev Cancer. 2004 Jan;4(1):61-70. PMID: #14708026#

 Duval C, Chinetti G, Trottein F, Fruchart JC, Staels B. The role of PPARs in atherosclerosis. Trends Mol Med. 2002 Sep;8(9):422-30. PMID: #12223313#

 Sporn MB, Suh N, Mangelsdorf DJ. Prospects for prevention and treatment of cancer with selective PPARgamma modulators (SPARMs). Trends Mol Med. 2001 Sep;7(9):395-400. PMID: #11530334#

 Wada K, Nakajima A, Blumberg RS. PPARgamma and inflammatory bowel disease: a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Trends Mol Med. 2001 Aug;7(8):329-31. PMID: #11516972#