Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 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
Evolution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists
Feng Chang1, Linda A Jaber, Helen D Berlie
1Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
New peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists are being developed to treat metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia. These agents aim for improved safety and efficacy by targeting multiple PPAR subtypes or acting as partial agonists.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors crucial for regulating lipid metabolism, adipocyte function, and insulin sensitivity.
- Dysregulation of PPAR pathways is implicated in type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and the metabolic syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of PPAR agonists from single-target to multi-subtype or partial agonists.
- To discuss their application in treating type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of MEDLINE (1966-March 2007) using relevant PPAR agonist keywords.
- Inclusion of data from pharmaceutical companies, internet resources, and scientific meeting abstracts.
- Review and summarization of animal data, abstracts, clinical trials, and review articles.
Main Results:
- PPAR alpha, gamma, and delta receptors are key regulators of lipid and glucose metabolism.
- Dual PPAR agonists showed promise but were limited by adverse effects.
- Investigational agents include PPAR-delta agonists, partial PPAR-gamma agonists (e.g., metaglidasen), and pan agonists (e.g., netoglitazone) with improved selectivity.
- Metaglidasen demonstrated improvements in HbA1c and triglycerides with a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Modulating PPAR activity offers a therapeutic strategy for glucose, lipid, and weight management.
- While early dual agonists faced toxicity challenges, ongoing research focuses on developing safer, more selective PPAR agonists.
- Newer agents hold potential for treating multiple facets of the metabolic syndrome with improved safety and efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes
Protein Import into the Peroxisomes
Peroxisomal Protein Import:
Peroxisomes lack the genetic machinery required to code for their own proteins. Hence, most peroxisomal membrane, lumenal and transmembrane proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm or ER and transported to the peroxisome...
Drug-Receptor Interaction: Agonist
Agonists can bind to receptors in different ways. Some agonists bind directly to the receptor's active site, mimicking the endogenous ligand's action.