Recent Evidence of the Regulatory Role of PPARs in Neural Stem Cells and Their Underlying Mechanisms for Neuroprotective Effects.

In recent years, beneficial effects of various ligands of three peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms (α, β, γ) have been reported in neurodegenerative diseases through delaying the onset and progression of diseases, reducing lesion size and improving functional recovery. Neural stem cells (NSCs) are assumed as a promising strategy for the treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases. PPARs are supposed to be one group of the key regulators of fate decisions in neural stem cells during development and adulthood, through their impact on the target genes involving cell proliferation, death and differentiation. The neuroprotective role of PPARs is suggested to be closely associated with the inflammation control and regenerative function of NSCs. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Here, we review the current knowledge about the beneficial role of PPARs in NSC development and neurogenesis and attempt to discuss the underlying mechanisms.