Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: roles in tumorigenesis and chemoprevention in human cancer

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are nuclear receptors that were isolated for their ability to modulate lipid metabolism. Similar to other members of the nuclear receptor family, peroxisome proliferator-activated r eceptors bind ligand as heterodimers and exert their effects via transcript ional regulation through their DNA binding domains. During the past decade, it has become clear that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors also contribute to a variety of different biologic processes, including atherosc lerosis, insulin resistance, and more recently, cancer. In this review, we discuss the evidence for the different peroxisome proliferator-activated re ceptors' roles in tumorigenesis and also their potential application for th e treatment and prevention of neoplastic diseases. Curr Opin Oncol 2001, 13 :78-83 (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.