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SR-202 (PPAR Antagonist): Selective Inhibition of PPARγ f...
SR-202 (PPAR Antagonist): Selective Inhibition of PPARγ for Precision Metabolic Research
Executive Summary: SR-202 is a selective antagonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a nuclear receptor critical for regulating glucose metabolism and adipogenesis (ApexBio). SR-202 inhibits PPAR-dependent adipocyte differentiation in vitro and reduces diet-induced adipocyte hypertrophy and insulin resistance in vivo (Xue & Wu, 2025). The compound demonstrates high selectivity for PPARγ over other nuclear receptors. No clinical trials using SR-202 have been reported to date. SR-202 is soluble in DMSO, ethanol, and water at concentrations ≥50 mg/mL and should be stored desiccated at room temperature (ApexBio).
Biological Rationale
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a nuclear receptor that regulates the transcription of genes involved in glucose metabolism and fatty acid storage (Xue & Wu, 2025). Activation of PPARγ promotes adipocyte differentiation and lipid accumulation, contributing to obesity and insulin resistance. In inflammatory and metabolic diseases, dysregulation of PPARγ signaling can alter macrophage polarization and immune responses (Xue & Wu, 2025). Selective inhibition of PPARγ is a research strategy to dissect its role in metabolic and immunometabolic pathways and to develop potential anti-obesity or anti-diabetic therapeutics (Contrast: CRISPRCasX.com).
Mechanism of Action of SR-202 (PPAR antagonist)
SR-202 is a small molecule with the chemical formula C11H17ClO7P2 and a molecular weight of 358.65 g/mol (ApexBio). It binds selectively to PPARγ, inhibiting the recruitment of steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) and suppressing thiazolidinedione (TZD)-induced transcriptional activity (Contrast: OSU-03012.com). By blocking PPARγ activation, SR-202 prevents the upregulation of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipid storage. In cell-based assays, SR-202 selectively antagonizes PPAR family members without significantly affecting other nuclear receptors. In animal models, SR-202 reduces adipocyte hypertrophy and improves insulin sensitivity (ApexBio).
Evidence & Benchmarks
- SR-202 inhibits TZD-stimulated recruitment of steroid receptor coactivator-1 to PPARγ in vitro, suppressing transcriptional activation (ApexBio).
- In cell culture, SR-202 selectively inhibits PPAR-dependent adipocyte differentiation, with no significant effect on unrelated nuclear receptors (OSU-03012.com).
- SR-202 reduces high-fat diet-induced adipocyte hypertrophy in murine models and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic ob/ob mice (ApexBio).
- SR-202 protects against elevated plasma TNF-α levels induced by high-fat diet feeding in wild-type mice (ApexBio).
- Activation (rather than antagonism) of PPARγ regulates M1/M2 macrophage polarization via the STAT-1/STAT-6 pathway, indicating the importance of PPARγ modulation in inflammation and tissue homeostasis (Xue & Wu, 2025).
Applications, Limits & Misconceptions
SR-202 (PPAR antagonist) is a tool compound for studying the inhibition of PPARγ in preclinical research. It is widely used in the investigation of PPAR-dependent adipocyte differentiation, insulin resistance, and the PPAR signaling pathway (Contrast: HOBT-Anhydrous.com). SR-202 enables mechanistic dissection of nuclear receptor signaling in obesity and type 2 diabetes research. However, SR-202 is not approved for clinical use and has not been evaluated in human clinical trials.
Common Pitfalls or Misconceptions
- SR-202 does not activate PPARγ; it is a selective antagonist, not an agonist.
- SR-202's effects are limited to preclinical models; no data support its efficacy or safety in humans.
- SR-202 should not be used as a therapeutic agent outside controlled research settings.
- The compound's specificity must be confirmed under each experimental condition, as off-target effects are possible at high concentrations.
- Long-term storage of SR-202 solutions is not recommended due to potential degradation.
Workflow Integration & Parameters
SR-202 is supplied as a white solid and is soluble at ≥50 mg/mL in DMSO, ethanol, and water (ApexBio). For cell culture studies, SR-202 is typically diluted into culture medium at the desired final concentration. The compound should be stored desiccated at room temperature. Prepare solutions immediately prior to use; avoid long-term storage of working solutions. For in vivo studies, dosing regimens must be validated for each animal model and endpoint. Refer to published benchmarks and protocols for detailed guidance (Contrast: Balaglitazone.com).
Conclusion & Outlook
SR-202 (PPAR antagonist) is a selective research tool for probing the role of PPARγ in metabolic and immunometabolic pathways. Its capacity to inhibit PPAR-dependent adipocyte differentiation and insulin resistance makes it valuable for advancing preclinical studies in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nuclear receptor biology. Future research may elucidate additional roles of PPARγ antagonism in immune modulation and tissue homeostasis, but translation to clinical application requires further investigation. For more details or to order, visit the official SR-202 product page (B6929 kit).