The lipid droplet-associated protein adipophilin is expressed in human trophoblasts and is regulated by peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-gamma/retinoid X receptor.

Uptake and transplacental transfer of fatty acids is essential for fetal development. Human adipophilin and its murine ortholog adipocyte differentiation-related protein are lipid droplet-associated proteins that are implicated in cellular fatty acid uptake in adipocytes. The nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) stimulates lipid uptake by adipocytes and enhances differentiation of placental trophoblasts.