Regulation of hepatic triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion

Triacylglycerols are the most concentrated storage form of energy for the mammalian organism. These lipids are synthesized and secreted by the liver and serve as a fuel for other tissues. This paper presents a brief review of the regulation of hepatic triacylglycerol synthesis and secretion. Particular attention will be given to the dissociation of the synthesis of triacylglycerols from that of the metabolically closely related nitrogenous phospholipids. Recent evidence is presented which suggests that triacylglycerol synthesis (and secretion) is regulated, at least partially, at the diacylglycerol branchpoint.