Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma is a novel target of the nerve growth factor signaling pathway in PC12 cells.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is subject to considerable interest because of its role in adipocyte differentiation, metabolic control, and anti-inflammatory action. PPARgamma research in brain cells is presently focused on glial PPARgamma because of its potential as a pharmacological target in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with an inflammatory component. In neurons PPARgamma function is far from clear, and PPARgamma agonist-dependent and -independent effects on cell survival or differentiation have been reported.