Fat signals: Lipid cleaving enzyme produces signaling molecule essential in lipid metabolism
Monday, August 22, 2011 - 14:30
in Biology & Nature
Normal lipid and energy metabolism requires complex regulation by a network of signaling processes. Researchers now show that mice that lack the fat cleaving enzyme ATGL cannot produce signaling molecules needed to regulate nuclear receptors. As a consequence, mitochondria, the power plants of the cells, fail to function properly in these animals. The findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from Neutral Lipid Storage Disease (NLSD).