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Sci. STKE, 26 February 2002
Vol. 2002, Issue 121, p. pe9
[DOI: 10.1126/stke.2002.121.pe9]

PERSPECTIVES

The Dawn of the SPPARMs?

Shamina M. Rangwala and Mitchell A. Lazar*

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Departments of Medicine and Genetics, and The Penn Diabetes Center, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA

Summary: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are used as antidiabetic agents in the treatment of type II diabetes. These compounds are ligands for the nuclear hormone receptor PPAR{gamma}, which is highly expressed in adipose tissue. PPAR{gamma} acts as a molecular switch in the process of fat cell development. The quest for the ideal antidiabetic agent is challenged by the need to develop PPAR{gamma} ligands that improve insulin sensitivity, but do not promote fat cell formation. A newly described PPAR{gamma} ligand may represent an initial step in this direction and could lead to improved agents for treating insulin resistance in type II diabetes.

*Author contact information. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 611 CRB, 415 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6149, USA. Telephone: (215) 898-0198, fax: (215) 898-5408, e-mail: lazar{at}mail.med.upenn.edu

Citation: S. M. Rangwala, M. A. Lazar, The Dawn of the SPPARMs? Sci. STKE 2002, pe9 (2002).

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