Lipolysis-related proteins

Lipolysis-related proteins are a specialized group of enzymes and regulatory factors that coordinate the breakdown of triacylglycerols stored in lipid droplets into free fatty acids and glycerol (Zechner et al., 2012, Cell Metabolism). The core components include adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and monoglyceride lipase (MGL), which perform sequential hydrolysis steps to mobilize energy reserves (Schweiger et al., 2006, JBC). Regulatory proteins like perilipin 1 (PLIN1) and comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) manage the access of these lipases to the lipid droplet surface, acting as molecular switches for fat catabolism (Lass et al., 2011, Progress in Lipid Research). These proteins play a critical role in energy homeostasis, but their dysregulation is central to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndromes, including obesity and type 2 diabetes (Langin, 2006, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society). In conditions like cancer cachexia, hyperactivation of these proteins causes rapid depletion of adipose tissue, while their deficiency can lead to neutral lipid storage diseases (Zimmermann et al., 2004, Science). Therapeutic strategies involve small molecule inhibitors like Atglistatin to treat fatty liver and insulin resistance, or activators to promote weight loss (Mayer et al., 2013, Nature Chemical Biology). However, pharmacological intervention is challenging due to the risk of ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver and muscle if systemic fatty acid mobilization is not precisely controlled (Schreiber et al., 2019, Nature Communications).

Other names

Lipolytic enzymesAdipose lipolysis machineryTriacylglycerol lipasesLipid droplet-associated proteins

Inhibition or activation of the sequential hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, and monoacylglycerols to regulate the release of free fatty acids and glycerol into the circulation (Zechner et al., 2012, Cell Metabolism).