Triglyceride Synthesis Pathway in Liver (Hepatic TG Synthesis)

The triglyceride (TG) synthesis pathway in the liver is a central metabolic process responsible for converting fatty acids and glycerol into triglycerides, which are then stored or exported as very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). This pathway is crucial for lipid homeostasis, energy storage, and distribution throughout the body. It involves a series of enzymatic reactions primarily occurring in the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes, starting with glycerol-3-phosphate and fatty acids to produce triglycerides. Key enzymes include glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), acylglycerophosphate acyltransferase (AGPAT), phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT). The pathway is regulated by substrate availability (fatty acids, glycolytic intermediates), hormonal control (insulin, glucagon), and nutritional state (fasting, feeding). Disruption can lead to hepatic steatosis/NAFLD, hypertriglyceridemia and metabolic syndrome, therefore, it serves as a potential therapeutic target for these diseases.

Other names

Hepatic Triglyceride SynthesisLiver Triglyceride MetabolismKennedy Pathway (Liver)de novo lipogenesis (Liver)

Modulation of enzymes involved in triglyceride synthesis, regulation of VLDL assembly/secretion.