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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro
Published on: March 17, 2023
Enigmatic effect of cellular ATP on fatty acid biosynthesis. Stimulation by moderate decrease and inhibition by
Math J H Geelen1, Robert A Harris, Simon G Van den Bergh
1Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands. m.geelen@kpnplanet.nl
Cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels influence fatty acid biosynthesis from glucose in liver cells. A moderate decrease in ATP stimulates this process, while a significant drop inhibits it, suggesting an energy-dependent pathway.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Fatty acid biosynthesis is a crucial metabolic process in hepatocytes.
- The role of cellular energy status, specifically adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, in regulating this pathway requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying cellular ATP concentrations on fatty acid biosynthesis from glucose in hepatocytes.
- To determine the relationship between ATP levels and the rate of fatty acid synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Hepatocytes were treated with various compounds (cycloheximide, amytal, atractyloside, 2,4-dinitrophenol, adenosine) to manipulate intracellular ATP levels.
- Cellular ATP concentration was measured.
- Fatty acid biosynthesis rates were assessed in response to ATP level changes.
Main Results:
- A slight reduction in cellular ATP levels correlated with a notable stimulation of fatty acid biosynthesis.
- Further decreases in cellular ATP led to a progressive inhibition of fatty acid biosynthesis.
- Increasing cellular ATP concentration using adenosine resulted in an inhibitory effect on fatty acid synthesis.
Conclusions:
- Fatty acid biosynthesis from glucose in hepatocytes is an energy-dependent process.
- The pathway is stimulated by a moderate decrease in cellular ATP concentration.
- These findings highlight the intricate regulation of lipid metabolism by cellular energy status.
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