Gaining weight: the Keystone Symposium on PPAR and LXR

The nuclear receptor superfamily consists of 48 mammalian transcription factors that regulate nearly all aspects of development, inflammation, and metabolism. Two subclasses, the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) and Liver X Receptors (LXRs), are lipid-sensing receptors that have critical roles in lipid and glucose metabolism. The parallel epidemics of obesity and diabetes shine a spotlight on the potential for therapeutic manipulation of PPARs and LXRs to combat these diseases. In recognition of this, a recent Keystone Symposium was devoted to these metabolic receptors. Here, we summarize some of the major highlights and future projections discussed at the meeting.