Ligand-activated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) bind with coreceptors (retinoid X receptors) to control expression of genes concerned with lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. PPARs are implicated in the development of some obesity-related cancers. By using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence respectively, PPARα expression was shown to be more abundant in endometrial cancers than benign endometrium and was localized to glandular and vascular endothelium. Although knock-down of PPARα led to reduced growth of endometrial cells, treatment with a PPARα-activating ligand led to reduced rather than increased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor. For further details, please see Nickkho-Amiry and colleagues on page 441 in this issue.