Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and the control of adipogenesis

The adipose cell is now known to play a complex role in energy homeostasis, storing energy and signaling to other tissues concerning the state of energy balance. The past several years have seen an explosive increase in our knowledge of the transcriptional basis of adipocyte differentiation. This review describes the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma in this process, and describes how other transcription factors may affect adipogenesis by modulating the amount or activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and other adipogenic transcription factors provide a focus for beginning to understand how various hormones and metabolites influence the development of this tissue in vivo.