Abstract
Adipocyte triglyceride storage provides a reservoir of energy that allows the organism to survive times of nutrient scarcity, but excessive adiposity has emerged as a health problem in many areas of the world. Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT) acylates monoacylglycerol to produce diacylglycerol; the penultimate step in triglyceride synthesis. However, little is known about MGAT activity in adipocytes, which are believed to rely primarily on another pathway for triglyceride synthesis. We show that expression of the gene that encodes MGAT1 is robustly induced during adipocyte differentiation and that its expression is suppressed in fat of genetically-obese mice and metabolically-abnormal obese human subjects. Interestingly, MGAT1 expression is also reduced in physiologic contexts where lipolysis is high. Moreover, knockdown or knockout of MGAT1 in adipocytes leads to higher rates of basal adipocyte lipolysis. Collectively, these data suggest that MGAT1 activity may play a role in regulating basal adipocyte FFA retention.
Highlights
Adipocyte triglyceride storage provides a reservoir of energy that allows the organism to survive times of nutrient scarcity, but excessive adiposity has emerged as a health problem in many areas of the world
These data indicate that the expression of monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (MGAT1) and Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT) activity is markedly increased during adipocyte differentiation
We conducted a series of studies in cell systems, animal models, and human subjects to explore the metabolic function of adipocyte MGAT activity and its relevance in humans
Summary
Adipocyte triglyceride storage provides a reservoir of energy that allows the organism to survive times of nutrient scarcity, but excessive adiposity has emerged as a health problem in many areas of the world. Lipolysis of adipocyte triglycerides and the release of FFAs into the bloodstream provides energy for normal body organ system function during postabsorptive conditions and is critical for survival during. Excessive accumulation of triglycerides in adipose tissue, which occurs in people with obesity, is associated with metabolic abnormalities and diseases, including insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes [5]. These findings underscore the importance of the balance between adipocyte triglyceride lipolysis and synthesis in regulating body fat mass and metabolic health
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