Activation of the nuclear hormone peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor ␥ (PPAR␥) inhibits cell growth and promotes differentiation in a broad spectrum of epithelial derived tumor cell lines. Here we utilized microarray technology to identify PPAR␥ gene targets in intestinal epithelial cells. For each gene, the induction or repression was seen with two structurally distinct PPAR␥ agonists, and the change in expression could be blocked by co-treatment with a specific PPAR␥ antagonist. A majority of the genes could be regulated independently by a retinoid X receptor specific agonist. Genes implicated in lipid transport or storage (adipophilin and liver fatty acid-binding protein) were also activated by agonists of PPAR subtypes ␣ and/or ␦. -independent, carcinoembryonic antigendependent homotypic aggregation, suggesting a potential role for PPAR␥ in regulating intercellular adhesion. Collectively, these results will help define the mechanisms by which PPAR␥ regulates intestinal epithelial cell biology.