Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of nuclear receptor proteins that function as transcription factors regulating the expression of genes. PPARs play essential roles in the regulation of cellular differentiation, development, and metabolism (carbohydrate, lipid, protein), and tumorigenesis of higher organisms.
Pronunciation
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: /pɛˌrɒksɪˈsoʊm prəˌlɪfəˈreɪtər ækˈtɪveɪtɪd rɪˈsɛptərz/
Etymology
The term "peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors" is derived from their discovery in 1990, where they were identified as receptors that induce the proliferation of peroxisomes in cells.
Types of PPARs
There are three types of PPARs - PPARα, PPARδ (or PPARβ), and PPARγ. Each of them is encoded by a different gene, and they are expressed in varying amounts in different tissues.
- PPARα - This is expressed mainly in the liver, kidney, heart, muscle, adipose tissue, and others. It regulates lipid metabolism.
- PPARδ - This is expressed in many tissues but markedly in brain, adipose tissue, and skin. It is involved in the regulation of fatty acid oxidation, and keratinocyte differentiation.
- PPARγ - This is expressed in virtually all tissues but markedly in adipose tissue, colon, and macrophages. PPARγ promotes adipocyte differentiation to enhance blood glucose uptake.
Related Terms
- Nuclear receptor - A class of proteins found within cells that are responsible for sensing steroid and thyroid hormones and certain other molecules.
- Transcription factor - A protein that controls the rate of transcription of genetic information from DNA to messenger RNA, by binding to a specific DNA sequence.
- Peroxisome - A type of organelle known for its role in the oxidation of long chain fatty acids.
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