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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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

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

Published on: March 17, 2023

Several agents and pathways regulate lipolysis in adipocytes.

Valéria Ernestânia Chaves¹, Danúbia Frasson, Nair Honda Kawashita

¹Department of Basic Sciences in Health, Federal University of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.

|June 11, 2011

Summary

Adipose tissue regulates fat breakdown via triacylglycerol hydrolysis, involving key enzymes like adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). Multiple signaling pathways control this crucial metabolic process in adipocytes.

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

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

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

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

Published on: July 21, 2017

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cellular Metabolism
Endocrinology

Background:

Adipose tissue is unique in its ability to hydrolyze stored triacylglycerol (TAG), releasing fatty acids and glycerol for systemic energy needs.
Triacylglycerol hydrolysis, or lipolysis, is primarily mediated by adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and monoacylglycerol lipase.
While HSL is well-studied, recent findings indicate simultaneous activation of HSL and ATGL, suggesting shared regulatory mechanisms at lipid droplet surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and summarize the diverse signaling pathways that regulate triacylglycerol hydrolysis in adipocytes.
To highlight the roles of various agents in modulating the activity of key lipolytic enzymes, ATGL and HSL.
To provide an overview of both classical and emerging pathways controlling lipolysis.

Main Methods:

Literature review of signaling pathways involved in adipocyte lipolysis.
Analysis of molecular mechanisms regulating adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) activity.
Synthesis of information on G-protein-coupled receptors, second messengers (cAMP, cGMP), and kinase pathways.

Main Results:

The classical cAMP-dependent pathway, modulated by Gs/Gi receptors and phosphodiesterase, is a primary regulator of lipolysis.
Alternative pathways involving Gq-coupled receptors, phospholipase C, calmodulin, and protein kinase C also activate TAG hydrolysis.
Evidence suggests that mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cGMP-dependent protein kinase G (PKG) pathways can also enhance lipolytic activity.

Conclusions:

Lipolysis in adipocytes is a complex process regulated by multiple, interconnected signaling cascades.
Understanding these pathways is crucial for comprehending adipose tissue function and energy homeostasis.
Further research into these diverse regulatory mechanisms can reveal novel therapeutic targets for metabolic disorders.