Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Target Genes

Abstract

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a ligand-activated transcription factor involved in the regulation of a variety of processes, ranging from inflammation and immunity to nutrient metabolism and energy homeostasis. PPARαserves as a molecular target for hypolipidemic fibrates drugs which bind the receptor with high affinity. Furthermore, PPARαbinds and is activated by numerous fatty acids and fatty acid-derived compounds. PPARαgoverns biological processes by altering the expression of a large number of target genes. Accordingly, the specific role of PPARαis directly related to the biological function of its target genes. Here, we present an overview of the involvement of PPARαin lipid metabolism and other pathways through a detailed analysis of the different known or putative PPARαtarget genes. The emphasis is on gene regulation by PPARαin liver although many of the results likely apply to other organs and tissues as well.