PPARγ regulates meibocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis of cultured human meibomian gland epithelial cells (hMGEC)

Rosiglitazone induced cell cycle exit and upregulation of lipogenic gene expression leading to lipid accumulation in hMGEC. These effects were suppressed by PPARγ antagonist indicating that PPARγ signaling specifically directs lipogenesis in hMGEC. These findings suggest that PPARγ plays a critical role in meibocyte differentiation.