The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear
hormone receptors, initially described as molecular targets for
compounds which induce peroxisomal proliferation. PPAR-gamma, the best
characterized of the PPARs, is a ligand-activated transcription factor
and a key regulator of adipogenic differentiation and glucose
homeostasis. PPAR-gamma ligands have recently been demonstrated to
affect proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of different cell
types. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies suggest the importance of
specific PPAR-gamma ligands as cell-cycle modulators, establishing their
antineoplastic properties. In this review, the latest knowledge on the
role of PPAR-gamma ligands as cell-cycle modulators is presented,
discussing also their role in cell proliferation, apoptosis and cancer.
(C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
