Adipose Triglyceride Lipase Regulation: An Overview

Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the key-enzyme for the release of fatty acids (FAs) from triacylglycerol (TG) stores during intracellular lipolysis producing FAs used for energy production. There is growing evidence that the products and intermediates from lipolytic breakdown during the FA mobilization process also have fundamental regulatory functions affecting cell signaling, gene expression, metabolism, cell growth, cell death, and lipotoxicity. Regulation of ATGL is therefore vital for maintaining a defined balance between lipid storage and mobilization. This review addresses the regulation of ATGL activity at the post-translational level with special emphasis on protein-mediated interaction at the site of hydrolytic action, namely to the lipid droplet.