Function
PPARα (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in regulating lipid metabolism. It is activated by the endogenous ligand 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (16:0/18:1-GPC). PPARα is also activated by oleylethanolamide, a naturally occurring lipid that regulates satiety. PPARα serves as a receptor for peroxisome proliferators, such as hypolipidemic drugs and fatty acids. It regulates the peroxisomal beta-oxidation pathway of fatty acids and functions as a transcription activator for the ACOX1 and P450 genes. Transactivation activity necessitates heterodimerization with RXRA and is antagonized by NR2C2. PPARα may be essential for the propagation of clock information to metabolic pathways regulated by PER2.