Mycophenolic acid as a latent agonist of PPARγ

Mycophenolic acid (MPA), known as an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), was found to inhibit the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes into mature adipocytes. Although the effect of MPA was attributed to inhibition of IMPDH, we uncovered a hidden biological property of MPA as an agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ).

Mycophenolic acid (1), known as an inhibitor of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), was found to inhibit the differentiation of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes into mature adipocytes. Although the effect of 1 could be attributed to inhibition of IMPDH, we identified 1 as a latent agonist of PPARγ. This is the first report that molecular target of 1 except IMPDH was found.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide