Receptory aktywowane przez proliferatory peroksysomow i ich rola w rozrodzie

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) are transcriptional factors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Three members of the PPAR family have been characterized as PPARα, PPARβ and PPARγ, encoded by separate genes. These isoforms exhibit diverse expression patterns and are activated by different ligands that cause various biological effects. The PPARs are mainly responsible for homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Recently it has been discovered that PPARs play a crucial role in the female reproductive system. PPARγ is expressed in the ovary, endometrium, placenta and fetal membranes. The lack of functional receptors PPARγ or PPARβ results in aberrant placentation and leads to lethality in rodents. PPARβ is abundantly expressed at implantation sites in mice uteri which suggests its role in implantation. Summarizing, in the recent decade studies have revealed new functions of PPARs as the family of receptors that regulate reproductive processes.