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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Reverse Yeast Two-hybrid System to Identify Mammalian Nuclear Receptor Residues that Interact with Ligands and/or Antagonists
Published on: November 15, 2013
The toxicology of ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)
Marjorie A Peraza1, Andrew D Burdick, Holly E Marin
1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
Abstract:
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand activated transcription factors that modulate target gene expression in response to endogenous and exogenous ligands. Ligands for the PPARs have been widely developed for the treatment of various diseases including dyslipidemias and diabetes. While targeting selective receptor activation is an established therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases, a variety of toxicities are known to occur in response to ligand administration. Whether PPAR ligands produce toxicity via a receptor-dependent and/or off-target-mediated mechanism(s) is not always known. Extrapolation of data derived from animal models and/or in vitro models, to humans, is also questionable. The different toxicities and mechanisms associated with administration of ligands for the three PPARs will be discussed, and important data gaps that could increase our current understanding of how PPAR ligands lead to toxicity will be highlighted.
Insights
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors targeted by drugs for diseases like diabetes. Understanding PPAR ligand toxicity mechanisms is crucial, as receptor-dependent and off-target effects remain unclear.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression.
- PPAR ligands are developed for treating metabolic diseases like dyslipidemia and diabetes.
- PPAR ligand therapy can cause toxicities, with unclear mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the toxicities and mechanisms of PPAR ligands.
- To highlight data gaps in understanding PPAR ligand-induced toxicity.
- To differentiate receptor-dependent from off-target toxicity mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PPAR ligand toxicity.
- Analysis of receptor-dependent and off-target mechanisms.
- Evaluation of data extrapolation from animal/in vitro models to humans.
Main Results:
- PPAR ligands exhibit various toxicities.
- Mechanisms of toxicity can be receptor-dependent or off-target.
- Extrapolation of animal/in vitro data to humans is challenging.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to clarify PPAR ligand toxicity mechanisms.
- Addressing data gaps will improve the safe use of PPAR-targeting drugs.
- Distinguishing between direct and indirect toxic effects is critical for therapeutic development.
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