Adipocyte differentiation is regulated by a prostaglandin liganded to the nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor

Abstract

Adipocyte differentiation and the homeostasis of fat cell number are regulated by a nuclear receptor protein, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ). The endogenous ligand is thought to be 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2. Thiazolidinedione, an antidiabetic drug, closely mimics the action of the prostaglandin, suggesting a regulatory role by the prostaglandin and PPARγ both in adipocyte differentiation and in glucose homeostasis.