Hormone Receptors

Authors: Kleine, Bernhard, Rossmanith, Winfried G.
Comprehensive overview on the endocrinology of humans and animals with emphasis on hormone biochemistry, hormone physiology, hormone receptors, endocrine organs, regulatory circuit and regulation of endocrine rhythms
Short characteristics covering the most important facts are given for all hormones
Covers endocrinology of vertebrates as well as of invertebrates

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors that belong to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Nuclear receptors are one of the best described classes of regulatory factors that directly control gene expression. Humans and mice have 48 and 49 nuclear receptors, respectively, which modulate many functions such as reproduction, development, metabolism, and whole body homeostasis. They function as ligand-activated factors, and thus convert signalling by small molecules (hormones, vitamins, fatty acids), which control these processes, into appropriate gene responses.