PPARbeta

PPARbeta, also known as Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor beta or PPARδ, is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. It is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression involved in various physiological processes. These processes include energy metabolism, inflammation, cell proliferation, and differentiation. PPARbeta is activated by fatty acids and their derivatives, which can be endogenous or exogenous.

Upon binding to its ligand, PPARbeta forms a heterodimer with the retinoid X receptor (RXR). This complex then binds to specific DNA sequences called Peroxisome Proliferator Response Elements (PPREs) located in the promoter regions of target genes. This binding initiates the transcription of these genes, thereby influencing their expression levels.

PPARbeta is widely expressed throughout the body, with particularly high levels found in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, skin, and liver. Its diverse expression pattern underlies its involvement in a broad range of functions. In skeletal muscle, PPARbeta activation promotes fatty acid oxidation, enhancing endurance and improving metabolic profiles. In adipose tissue, it influences adipogenesis and lipid storage. Furthermore, PPARbeta has been implicated in wound healing and the regulation of inflammatory responses. Research into PPARbeta continues to uncover its complex roles in health and disease, with potential therapeutic implications for metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions.