Regulation and function of triacylglycerol lipases in cellular metabolism.

Full Abstract

The ability to store energy in the form of energy-dense TAG (triacylglycerol) and to mobilize these stores rapidly during times of low carbohydrate availability (fasting or famine) or during heightened metabolic demand (exercise or cold-stress) is a highly conserved process essential for survival. Today, in the presence of nutrient excess and sedentary lifestyles, the regulation of this pathway is viewed as an important therapeutic target for disease prevention, as elevated circulating fatty acids in obesity contribute to many aspects of the metabolic syndrome including hepatic steatosis, atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. In the present review, we discuss the metabolic regulation and function of TAG lipases with a focus on HSL (hormone-sensitive lipase), ATGL (adipose triacylglycerol lipase) and newly identified members of the lipolytic proteome.

Author information

Author/s: Watt, Matthew J (MJ); Steinberg, Gregory R (GR);

Affiliation: Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: The Biochemical journal (Biochem J), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-Sep; vol 414 (issue 3) : pp 313-25

Dates: Created 2008/08/22; Completed 2008/10/21;

PMID: 18717647, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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