Molecular recognition of fatty acids by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

H E Xu, M H Lambert, V G Montana, D J Parks, S G Blanchard, P J Brown, D D Sternbach, J M Lehmann, G B Wisely, T M Willson, S A Kliewer, M V Milburn

Glaxo Wellcome Research and Development, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA.

Molecular cell 1999 Mar

filter terms:

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors for fatty acids (FAs) that regulate glucose and lipid homeostasis. We report the crystal structure of the PPAR delta ligand-binding domain (LBD) bound to either the FA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or the synthetic fibrate GW2433. The carboxylic acids of EPA and GW2433 interact directly with the activation function 2 (AF-2) helix. The hydrophobic tail of EPA adopts two distinct conformations within the large hydrophobic cavity. GW2433 occupies essentially the same space as EPA bound in both conformations. These structures provide molecular insight into the propensity for PPARs to interact with a variety of synthetic and natural compounds, including FAs that vary in both chain length and degree of saturation.

Citation

H E Xu, M H Lambert, V G Montana, D J Parks, S G Blanchard, P J Brown, D D Sternbach, J M Lehmann, G B Wisely, T M Willson, S A Kliewer, M V Milburn. Molecular recognition of fatty acids by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Molecular cell. 1999 Mar;3(3):397-403