The lipogenic transcription factors Pparα and Pparγ as possible linkage between lipid metabolism and Hedgehog-Signalling Pathway?

As the biggest metabolic organ the liver performs a plethora of functions, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The smallest functional unit thereby is displayed by the liver lobules showing a metabolic zonation. Hepatocytes can be roughly divided into periportal (PP) and pericentral (PC) cells. Numerous genes and enzymes are involved in the regulation processes of the metabolism; especially nuclear receptors like Ppars possess a coordinating role for many physiological functions. While Pparα is assumed to promote fatty acid oxidation and, thus, is controlling lipid catabolism, Pparγ probably promotes th…