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Revealing a steroid receptor ligand as a unique PPAR[gamma] agonist

Journal Article · · Cell Res.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/cr.2011.162· OSTI ID:1038618
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR{gamma}) regulates metabolic homeostasis and is a molecular target for anti-diabetic drugs. We report here the identification of a steroid receptor ligand, RU-486, as an unexpected PPAR{gamma} agonist, thereby uncovering a novel signaling route for this steroid drug. Similar to rosiglitazone, RU-486 modulates the expression of key PPAR{gamma} target genes and promotes adipocyte differentiation, but with a lower adipogenic activity. Structural and functional studies of receptor-ligand interactions reveal the molecular basis for a unique binding mode for RU-486 in the PPAR{gamma} ligand-binding pocket with distinctive properties and epitopes, providing the molecular mechanisms for the discrimination of RU-486 from thiazolidinediones (TZDs) drugs. Our findings together indicate that steroid compounds may represent an alternative approach for designing non-TZD PPAR{gamma} ligands in the treatment of insulin resistance.
Research Organization:
Advanced Photon Source (APS), Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC)
OSTI ID:
1038618
Journal Information:
Cell Res., Journal Name: Cell Res. Journal Issue: (4) ; 04, 2012 Vol. 22; ISSN 1001-0602
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH

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