PPARγ and the global map of adipogenesis and beyond

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) is a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors (TFs) and function as a master regulator of adipocyte differentiation and metabolism. We review recent breakthroughs in the understanding of PPAR gamma gene regulation and function in the chromatin context. It is now clear that multiple TFs team up to induce PPAR gamma during adipogenesis, and that other TFs cooperate with PPAR gamma to ensure adipocyte-specific genomic binding and function. We discuss how this differs in other PPAR gamma-expressing cells such as macrophages and how these genome-wide mechanisms are preserved across species despite modest conservation of specific binding sites. These emerging considerations inform our understanding of PPAR gamma function as well as of adipocyte development and physiology.