A new lipase in regulating lipid mobilization: hormone-sensitive lipase is not alone

Three papers recently appeared simultaneously that identify a new triacylglycerol lipase. Zimmerman et al. identified this lipase as adipocyte triacylglycerol lipase (ATGL). Jenkins et al. identified it as the zeta-isoform of a calcium-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)), whereas Villena et al. found this enzyme and called it desnutrin. Interestingly, if, as implied, this lipase works in concert with hormone-sensitive lipase, then our concept of regulated fatty acid mobilization from triacylglycerols will have to be revised.