Over the past three and a half years, thirteen issues of PPAR Research have been published, and an additional six are currently in various phases of production. Collectively, these issues have covered a broad expanse of physiological functions and clinical importance of PPARs. Topics spanned reviews of PPAR function in specific cell and tissue types, their roles in a host of diseases and their rich pharmaceutical potential. Yet, no issue so far has been dedicated to the molecular mechanisms of PPAR action. Clearly, true understanding of the cellular and organismal phenomena regulated by PPARs starts with a detailed grasp on their function as transcription factors. This mechanistic understanding is also a prerequisite for fine-tuning the therapeutic activities of PPARs.

Accordingly, this issue will focus on the molecular mechanisms that underlie the functions of PPARs: their target genes in different tissues and physiological states; transcriptional mechanisms of PPARs and determinants of target gene specificity; interacting partners; structure-function relationships at the molecular and atomic scales; the signaling pathways that regulate PPARs, keeping them in check, boosting, or modifying their activities.

We invite authors to present original research articles or reviews that address any aspect of the molecular basis of PPAR function. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• PPAR Target genes: lessons from both in-depth studies of single targets and high-throughput screens
• Cofactors of PPARs: in vivo and in vitro mechanisms and the basis of differential activity and target specificity
• Structural insights into PPAR function
• Posttranslational modifications and their effects on activity and stability of PPARs
• Regulation of PPAR expression

Before submission, authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ppar/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: