Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ ligands as cell-cycle modulators

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors, initially described as molecular targets for compounds which induce peroxisomal proliferation. PPAR-γ, the best characterized of the PPARs, is a ligand-activated transcription factor and a key regulator of adipogenic differentiation and glucose homeostasis. PPAR-γ 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-γ ligands as cell-cycle modulators, establishing their antineoplastic properties. In this review, the latest knowledge on the role of PPAR-γ ligands as cell-cycle modulators is presented, discussing also their role in cell proliferation, apoptosis and cancer.