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Related Concept Videos

Overview of Lipid Metabolism01:24

Overview of Lipid Metabolism

Lipid metabolism is a crucial process in the human body that involves the synthesis and degradation of lipids. This process is essential for energy production, cell membrane formation, and hormone production, among other functions.
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Lipid Catabolism01:25

Lipid Catabolism

Triglycerides serve as crucial long-term energy storage molecules in microorganisms, providing a dense source of metabolic energy. Their breakdown is mediated by lipases, which hydrolyze triglycerides into glycerol and free fatty acids. Each of these components follows distinct metabolic pathways, ultimately contributing to ATP synthesis and cellular energy homeostasis.Glycerol MetabolismGlycerol, released from triglyceride hydrolysis, is phosphorylated by glycerol kinase to form...
Lipid Absorption01:24

Lipid Absorption

Dietary triglycerides from chyme in the duodenum are mixed with bile salts produced by the liver to emulsify fats. As a result, large droplets are broken down into smaller ones, increasing the surface area for enzymatic action. Once emulsified, pancreatic lipases hydrolyze the triglycerides into free fatty acids and monoglycerides.
These breakdown products bind with bile salts and lecithin to form micelles, which quickly pass between microvilli to come in close contact with the apical...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
Fats as Energy Storage Molecules01:06

Fats as Energy Storage Molecules

Triglycerides are a form of long-term energy storage molecules. They are made of glycerol and three fatty acids. To obtain energy from fat, triglycerides must first be broken down by hydrolysis into their two principal components, fatty acids and glycerol. This process, called lipolysis, takes place in the cytoplasm. The resulting fatty acids are oxidized by β-oxidation into acetyl-CoA, which is used by the Krebs cycle. The glycerol that is released from triglycerides after lipolysis directly...
Lipid Digestion01:06

Lipid Digestion

Lipids are large molecules that are generally not water-soluble. Since most of the digestive enzymes in the human body are water-based, there are specific steps the body must take to break down lipids and make them available for use.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro
09:41

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro

Published on: March 17, 2023

Lipolysis in adipocytes.

Maryam Ahmadian1, Yuhui Wang, Hei Sook Sul

  • 1Departement of Nutritional Science and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States.

The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|December 23, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Lipolysis, the breakdown of fat in adipocytes, releases fatty acids for energy. Key players like Desnutrin/ATGL and AdPLA regulate this process, offering potential therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders.

More Related Videos

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads
07:59

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads

Published on: July 21, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro
09:41

Measuring the Rate of Lipolysis in Ex Vivo Murine Adipose Tissue and Primary Preadipocytes Differentiated In Vitro

Published on: March 17, 2023

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads
07:59

Measurement of Basal and Forskolin-stimulated Lipolysis in Inguinal Adipose Fat Pads

Published on: July 21, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Lipolysis, the hydrolysis of triacylglycerol (TAG) in adipocytes, is crucial for energy homeostasis.
  • Lipid droplets are dynamic organelles central to lipid metabolism and lipolysis.
  • Mutations in key lipolysis genes are linked to metabolic diseases like Neutral Lipid Storage Disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging concepts in the key players of adipocyte lipolysis.
  • To examine the regulation of lipolysis, including autocrine/paracrine mechanisms.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting lipolysis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent findings in lipolysis research.
  • Analysis of genetic alterations and mutations in lipolysis-related genes.
  • Examination of data from mouse models and human studies.

Main Results:

  • Desnutrin/ATGL identified as a major TAG hydrolase.
  • Adipose phospholipase A2 (AdPLA) discovered as a key regulator via PGE2.
  • Genetic mutations in desnutrin/ATGL and its activator are associated with disease.

Conclusions:

  • Lipolysis involves complex regulation by multiple proteins and signaling pathways.
  • Understanding these mechanisms offers potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases.
  • Targeting adipocyte lipolysis presents a promising avenue for future treatments.