PPARs were originally identified inXenopus frogs as receptors that induce the proliferation ofperoxisomes in cells in 1992.[7] The first PPAR (PPARα) was discovered in 1990 during the search for a molecular target of a group of agents then referred to asperoxisome proliferators, as they increased peroxisomal numbers in rodent liver tissue, apart from improvinginsulin sensitivity.[8]
When it turned out that PPARs played a versatile role in biology, the agents were in turn termedPPAR ligands. The best-known PPAR ligands are thethiazolidinediones.
After PPARδ (delta) was identified in humans in 1992,[9] it turned out to be closely related to PPARβ (beta), previously described during the same year in anamphibian,Xenopus. The term "PPARδ" is generally used in the US, while "PPARβ" has remained in Europe, where this receptor was initially discovered.
PPARs were named because they induce peroxisome proliferation in rodents, but this induction has not been verified in humans.[10][11]
The function of PPARs is modified by the precise shape of their ligand-binding domain (see below) induced by ligand binding and by a number ofcoactivator andcorepressor proteins, the presence of which can stimulate or inhibit receptor function, respectively.[12]
Endogenous ligands for the PPARs includefree fatty acids,eicosanoids andVitamin B3.PPARγ is activated by PGJ2 (aprostaglandin) and certain members of the5-HETE family ofarachidonic acid metabolites including 5-oxo-15(S)-HETE and 5-oxo-ETE.[13] In contrast, PPARα is activated byleukotriene B4. Certain members of the15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid family of arachidonic acid metabolites, including 15(S)-HETE, 15(R)-HETE, and 15-HpETE activate to varying degrees PPAR alpha, beta/delta, and gamma. In addition,PPARγ was reported to be involved in cancer pathogenesis and growth.[14][15]PPARγ activation by agonist RS5444 may inhibit anaplastic thyroid cancer growth.[16] See[17] for a review and critique of the roles of PPAR gamma in cancer.
^Dreyer C, Krey G, Keller H, Givel F, Helftenbein G, Wahli W (1992). "Control of the peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway by a novel family of nuclear hormone receptors".Cell.68 (5):879–87.doi:10.1016/0092-8674(92)90031-7.PMID1312391.S2CID3148132.
^Ezzeddini R, Taghikhani M, Salek Farrokhi A, Somi MH, Samadi N, Esfahani A, Rasaee, MJ (May 2021). "Downregulation of fatty acid oxidation by involvement of HIF-1α and PPARγ in human gastric adenocarcinoma and its related clinical significance".Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry.77 (2):249–260.doi:10.1007/s13105-021-00791-3.PMID33730333.S2CID232300877.
^Zoete V, Grosdidier A, Michielin O (2007). "Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor structures: ligand specificity, molecular switch and interactions with regulators".Biochim. Biophys. Acta.1771 (8):915–25.doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2007.01.007.PMID17317294.
^Huang C, Zhang Y, Gong Z, Sheng X, Li Z, Zhang W, Qin Y (2006). "Berberine inhibits 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation through the PPARgamma pathway".Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.348 (2):571–578.doi:10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.07.095.PMID16890192.