There may not be a single biological process in which lipids do not have regulatory roles. This is particularly true for inflammation, which is a normal protective mechanism in infection and injury.

Fatty Acid type determines the pro- or anti-inflammatory properties of the lipid-derived mediators produced, impacts upon receptor signaling, and influences cytokine production. Lipid mediators such as Fatty Acids above are ligands for the PPARs.

Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that play key roles in the regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation, cellular growth, and differentiation, emerging as links between lipids, metabolic diseases and innate immunity.

PPARs are activated by fatty acids and their derivatives, many of which also signal through membrane receptors, thereby creating a lipid signaling network between the cell surfaceand the nucleus.

To know more about these central sensors and about their importance in cell metabolism, we suggest these two comprehensive and well-written recent reviews:

PPARs: Fatty acid sensors controlling metabolism. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22273692

PPARs at the crossroads of lipid signaling and inflammation. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22704720

Happy reading!

Remembrane’s Team